Operator of DMV tag office known for good customer service retiring over music complaint
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LINCONTON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles said the operator of a License Plate Agency in Lincoln County has opted to retire and close up his shop.
The office, which has been open since 2020, has received high praise for its service among the local community.
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The Lincolnton office is one of many across the state that are privately run, contracted through the state — a practice that has gone on for decades. But controversy surrounding what was going on inside the office has led to its closure.
State Rep. Jason Saine of Lincoln County said the operator reached out to him after the state ordered changes at his office, namely, the Christian music and “Don’t Tread on Me” hats, which some may consider overtly religious or political in nature.
Saine said the issue started from a compliment on the service at the Lincolnton office, which included mentioning what was inside to the state. Saine said he saw the message himself when relating the content of what was said to Queen City News.
“The proprietor got punished for it,” said Saine.
A spokesperson for the NC DMV said Tuesday afternoon that it was not a compliment that caught their attention.
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In a statement, the DMV said:
The Division did not take any action against or close the Lincolnton License Plate Agency. Last week, the Division received a complaint from a customer of this location and has been in communication with the operator. Monday evening, the Division received a letter from the operator about their desire to close the office and retire. In response to this notification, the Division will be opening an application period soon to find a new operator for a License Plate Agency in Lincoln County.
NC DMV
Queen City News had not received a response from the operator by our deadline.
The office had reportedly been threatened with being shut down Monday. The office was open Tuesday, but Queen City News has learned that the music was turned off and some merchandise removed.
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