This is a loaded question with many answers. What some consider government interference, others consider protecting the welfare of the majority. For instance, zoning requirements could be considered government interference, but if a roofing company moves in next door to you, you would want to be able to call your zoning department to get the trucks and employees out of your neighborhood and into a more appropriate location. More and more communities are enacting business licensing requirements for all businesses, including very small home-based ones. Do we like it? No, but the reality is that people engaged in illegal or border-line illegal activities sometimes try to hide their activities behind the facade of a business. Requiring licensing gives the city or police a legal reason to enter the business to find out if they are licensed and perhaps detect illegal activities. My state requires that those engaged in the manufacture or growing of controlled substances purchase a tax stamp from the state tax agency. Do people engaged in the drug trade do it? No, and in some ways the law seems absurd, but it allows the police a way to hold someone until they complete an investigation and file more appropriate charges. Much of the government intervention into business has resulted because of the actions of business owners and those using the cover of a business for other activities. If we all operated our businesses transparently and with a concern for the well being of our neighbors, we would have less interference. Just my $.2 worth. Great topic and I look forward to reading other's opinions.