Laurel is also home to the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI), but its training operation and garment-testing labs would not be affected by the ordinance. DLI moved its headquarters to Laurel in 2004.
According to local press reports, city officials say the ban is part of its effort to promote more environmentally friendly methods. Richard Aaron Wright, executive director of the Mid Atlantic Association of Cleaners told the council that drycleaners handle perc safely.
"I hope you will reconsider because when you put restrictions in, it's hard for them (owners) to sell their businesses when they want to retire," Wright is reported as saying.
The Laurel city attorney Robert Manzi has asked for legislation to be put on hold until further research is carried out.
