Stephens Co. Implements Ordinance for Peddlers and Door to Door Solicitors

Stephens County Commissioners adopt an ordinance to deal with door-to-door salespeople and peddlers in the county.

The county commission approved the ordinance by a 4 to 1 vote on Tuesday.

County Administrator Phyllis Ayers said the ordinance puts guidelines in place that will regulate door-to-door sales and how those individuals operate in the county.

“It will start with filing an application with the Stephens County Probate Judge and obtaining a permit to register as a solicitor,” said Ayers. “There is a $35 applicant permit fee that will be collected. The records of the solicitors and canvassers will be held with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.”

Ayers said that the county felt the ordinance was necessary after receiving numerous calls from county residents expressing concerns about some door-to-door salespeople in the county.

“The types of complaints that we have been getting is that there have been some door-to-door salesman who have been very aggressive and pushy to get in the home to make the sale,” said Ayers.

Stephens County Commissioner Dennis Bell agreed with those concerns.

Bell said the matter needs to be addressed and he feels this ordinance will do the job.

“There are a couple, three groups that are doing it,” said Bell. “They are very adamant about knowing who is home and they will push their way in the house.”

Bell also said that people need to know that if someone tries to push their way into a home after they are told to leave, the people should call 911 immediately and get a description of the vehicle and person.

He went on to say that he looked at a number of ordinances similar to this one that are already in place in other communities.

However, Commissioner Debbie Whitlock said she does not feel this ordinance is necessary to stop the problem being described.

“If you don’t want somebody in your home, call the law,” said Whitlock, who said existing laws protect people from this.

She also questioned some of the language in the ordinance.

“Some of the language says ‘be courteous’,” said Whitlock. “I am not sure how that is objective or enforceable.”

Whitlock was the lone vote against the ordinance.

Commissioners passed a variance to their rules to pass the ordinance without a second reading, a motion Whitlock also voted against that passed 4 to 1.

That allows the ordinance to take effect immediately.