West Melbourne City Council revises solicitation ordinance to enhance police enforcement

During the City Council meeting on June 3, 2025, the West Melbourne Council took significant steps to update the city's solicitation ordinance, which had not been revised since 2010. The proposed changes aim to enhance enforcement capabilities for local law enforcement while aligning the ordinance with recent court rulings that have impacted solicitation regulations.

City Council member Mister Carey presented the updated ordinance, emphasizing its necessity due to evolving legal standards that have limited the city's ability to regulate solicitation effectively. The revised ordinance seeks to streamline existing provisions, remove unenforceable sections, and ensure that police can address solicitation issues as they arise. Key amendments include clarifying definitions, establishing requirements for solicitors, and detailing penalties for violations, which can include fines and potential jail time.

Council members expressed their support for the updates, recognizing the ordinance as a valuable tool for police officers dealing with solicitors in residential areas. Mister Frampus raised concerns regarding the ordinance's curfew for solicitors, suggesting a later start time to accommodate residents returning home from work. The current curfew is set at 6 PM, but discussions indicated that extending it to 8 PM could strengthen the ordinance against potential legal challenges, given precedents from other circuit courts.

The council's deliberations highlighted the balance between protecting residents from unwanted solicitations and ensuring that solicitors have adequate time to operate legally. The ordinance is set for a second reading in two weeks, where further adjustments may be made based on council feedback.

This update to the solicitation ordinance reflects West Melbourne's commitment to adapting local laws to better serve and protect its community while navigating the complexities of legal precedents. The council's proactive approach aims to enhance public safety and ensure that residents feel secure in their homes.