Checking ID & Licenses off door to door solicitors

From: Bauer, Julia M [mailto:Julia.Bauer@fairfaxcounty.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 4:38 PM
Cc: Schaible, Erin; Eggers, Alice
Subject: Solicitor's Licenses

We have had many questions in the past few weeks about door to door solicitors and what is required by county. Attached is the county code pertaining to solicitors licenses and attached to this e-mail is a copy of what one looks like (minus the baby face). Please research anybody coming to your door attempting to solicit money for a product or service. Unless you know the person, think twice before you turn over any cash, checks or credit cards to a complete stranger. Below are the county rules for solicitors and when in doubt contact the non-emergency number at 703-691-2131 to have an officer respond and verify the person’s solicitor’s license. Each and every person soliciting neesd to have one of these licenses on him/her at all times.

Section 31-1-2. Prohibited acts.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any canvasser, peddler, or solicitor to

ring the bell, or knock on the door, or otherwise attempt to gain

admittance for the purpose of canvassing, peddling or soliciting at

any residence, dwelling or apartment at which a sign bearing the

words "No Peddlers or Solicitors" or words of similar import indicating

that such persons are not wanted on said premises, is

painted, affixed or otherwise exposed to public view.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any canvasser, peddler, or solicitor, to

canvass, peddle, or solicit except between the hours of 9:00 A.M.

and 8:00 P.M.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any canvasser, peddler, or solicitor to

fail to disclose to the prospective buyer, upon request, his name

and the name of the company, product or organization he represents,

and if requested so to do, to leave the premises immediately.

(d) It shall be unlawful for any canvasser, peddler, or solicitor to

make any assertion, representation or statement of fact which misrepresents

the purpose of his call, or use any plan, scheme, or

ruse which misrepresents such purpose.

(e) It shall be unlawful for any peddler or solicitor to fail to provide,

at the request of the purchaser, a written receipt, which receipt

shall be signed by the person making the sale and shall set

forth a brief description of the goods or services sold, the total purchase

price thereof, amount of cash payment, if any, and the balance

due and terms of payment.

(f) It shall be unlawful for any person licensed pursuant to this

Chapter to use or exploit the fact of being licensed so as to lead

the public to believe that such registration in any manner constitutes

an endorsement or approval by this County; provided, however,

that the use of the following statement shall not be deemed a

prohibited exploitation:"Licensed by the Director of the Fairfax

County Department of Consumer Affairs as required by law. Licensing

does not imply endorsement by Fairfax County.

(g) It shall be unlawful for any canvasser, peddler, or solicitor to

give false or incorrect information to the Director in filing statements

or reports required by this Chapter.

(h) It shall be unlawful for any person who is licensed as a promoter

of an arts and crafts show pursuant to this Chapter to fail to

submit a roster of all peddlers, itinerant merchants, or solicitors

who are expected to participate in any arts and crafts show being

sponsored by that person to the Director no less than three (3)

days prior to conducting any such show. That roster also shall indicate

the time and place of the expected show.

(i) It shall be unlawful for any person who is licensed as a promoter

of an arts and crafts show pursuant to this Chapter to fail to

keep at the site of an arts and crafts show a current roster of all

peddlers, itinerant merchants, or solicitors participating in any ongoing

arts and crafts show being sponsored by that person, and it

shall be unlawful to fail to show such roster upon request to the

Director or to any law enforcement official.

(j) It shall be unlawful for any such promoter to fail to file with the

Director a complete roster of all such participants within seven (7)

days after the completion of any arts and crafts show sponsored

by the promoter within the County. All such rosters shall record the

time and location of the event, and such rosters shall identify the

full name, address, telephone number and nature of business for

each participant. (16-76-31; 43-81-31; 22-84-31; 10-93-31, § 1.)



As always if you have any questions please don't hesitate to call or e-mail us.



Thanks,

Julia

PFC Julia M. Bauer
Crime Prevention
Franconia Station
Fairfax County Police Dept.
6121 Franconia Rd
Alexandria, VA 22310
703-922-8263