Peddlers face stricter regulations in Eden

Eden’s City Council approved amendments to the peddlers, itinerant merchants and charitable solicitors ordinance Tuesday, Oct. 20. There are now new hours of operation for peddlers, and those applying for a license must undergo a criminal background check.

Erin Gilley, city attorney for Eden, said this was recommended by those who enforce the ordinances and mainly for safety reasons.

The amendment limits hours of operation for peddlers to Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is unlawful for them to operate anytime on Sundays, as well as Mondays through Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

In the city code, peddlers are described as people who travel from house to house, street to street, or place to place, attempting to take orders. This covers various good, wares, magazines, merchandise and other personal property for delivery, or for services to be performed in the future.

A license is required for a peddler, itinerant merchant or charitable solicitor to operate within city limits. At any time while selling goods, a peddler can be asked to produce his or her license. If they are unable, a citizen can call the police. If they are charged, it is a Class 3 misdemeanor and punishable by a maximum fine of $200.

To apply for a license, an application must be submitted in the city clerk’s office, which is then passed to the Eden Police Department for a criminal background check.