Ordinance would restrict door-to-door peddlers in county

Clark County commissioners introduced an ordinance on Tuesday that would put more restrictions in place for door-to-door peddlers.

The proposal, aimed at increasing safety, would forbid solicitors from knocking on doors of private property between dusk and 9 a.m. It also would forbid solicitors from plying their wares on private property with posted signs that forbid solicitation.

Commissioners plan to vote on the proposal Sept. 15, after a public hearing at 10 a.m. that day.

The proposal is intended to give more enforcement tools to the county Department of Business License and the Metropolitan Police Department to prevent crime and "maintain the quiet and privacy of residents of the county," Business License Director Jacqueline Holloway wrote in agenda materials.

Commissioner Susan Brager, who wasn't at Tuesday's meeting, asked for the proposal.

In its broadest sense, the ordinance would apply to merchants making sales, solicitors doing business door-to-door, promoters and canvassers doing surveys.

Under the proposal, solicitors would be required to carry an identification card with their name, business, contact information and county business license number. Officials said that requirement would increase safety for residents when someone knocks on their door.

But for those don't want to be bothered at all, the ordinance would still help.

Sales people couldn't knock on doors, ring doorbells or rap on windows if a sign is posted that makes it clear their advances are unwelcome.

Signs with letters three-fourths of an inch high could have phrases such as "No Trespassers," "No Canvassers," "No Peddlers," "No Solicitors" or something similar.

Posting such signage wouldn't keep every salesman away. The ordinance has exemptions for religious reasons, such as missionaries seeking converts.

There's also an exemption for political solicitation on behalf of candidates and political causes. That exemption would allow candidates for office and their supporters to knock on doors and ask for votes.

Contact Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2904. Find him on Twitter: @BenBotkin1