The amount of any business license and penalty imposed by the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed a debt to the city. A suit may be brought against any person to enforce the collection of the debt described in this chapter in any court of competent jurisdiction. The conviction of any person for transacting any business without a business license shall not excuse or exempt such person from payment of any license due or unpaid at the time of such conviction, and nothing herein shall prevent a criminal prosecution for any violation of the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 1474 § 1 (part), 2005)