The recently revised ordinance that regulates peddling in Bedminster Township now allows for residents to sign up for a police department-maintained list that tells peddlers to stay away from their properties, or face penalties.
The revised ordinance, adopted by the board of supervisors at their May 12 meeting after being advertised and subject to a public hearing, was described by Solicitor Peter Nelson as essentially the same as the previous one, except for the new don’t-contact-us list. Thus, peddlers are still required to obtain a license, and face prescribed penalties for failing to comply with its provisions. Upon obtaining their license, they are to be provided the no-peddlers list.
Police Chief Matt Phelan announced on May 20 that the sign-up opportunity is up and running, through the police department website (not the township website) at https://bucks.crimewatchpa.com/bedminstertwppd, via the Resources tab, and then Do Not Solicit List or call 215-795-2972, and dial zero.
The previous ordinance regulating peddling had been adopted in 2003. The new law requires licenses, limits the time and place for soliciting, enables occupants and owners of premises to limit access, and prescribes penalties for violations. In particular, it is to differentiate between different categories of peddlers, toward protecting residents’ safety and privacy, and help mitigate being jeopardized by fraudulent schemes.
It does not apply to “farmers selling their own produce, or the sales of goods, wares and merchandise donated by the owners thereof, or any manufacturer of bread and bakery products, meat and meat products, or milk and milk products.”
Among a variety of provisions, the new ordinance is to provide for “the owner or lawful occupant of private property to prohibit the practice” by posting a No Peddling sign, and the township is to “establish and maintain a No Peddling Registry, which lists all township residents who desire not to be contacted at their residences by peddlers.”
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