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Council hears first reading of solicitors, canvassers and peddlers licensing proposal
Summary
On first reading, Easley council considered ordinance 20-26-19 to add a chapter regulating solicitors, canvassers and peddlers; council and staff debated scope (sales vs. proselytizing), background checks, fees and enforcement but did not take a final vote.
Easley’s governing body held a first reading of ordinance 20-26-19, a proposal to amend the city code to require permits and set rules for solicitors, canvassers and peddlers.
The ordinance would add chapter 1-23 to title 9 of the city code and introduce a permit and ID-card regime for people selling goods or canvassing in neighborhoods. A staff member noted “permit is not defined under the normal business license ordinance,” and said the city would need a budget amendment to cover new permit and ID‑card fees and suggested charging applicants for background checks so the city would not absorb that cost.
Council members asked whether the ordinance would duplicate trespass or public-disturbance laws and raised concerns about faith-based visitors and nonprofit fundraisers. One councilmember said the existing code appears focused on sales and does not explicitly exempt churches; staff pointed to a separate provision that grants single solicitor permits to nonprofit fundraising events at no cost but said youth and student organizations are treated differently.
Members also discussed enforcement logistics, including printing IDs, taking photos, and the possibility of two office visits to complete an application and background check. Several councilmembers emphasized education and signage—calling out neighborhoods with “no solicitation” signs—and questioned whether the city has capacity to enforce night‑time removals or require food‑truck style movements.
The council did not vote on the ordinance at this meeting; the matter was discussed at length and will return for a later reading with clarified fee amounts and suggested edits to the definitions and applicability language.
