Believing they often prey on the vulnerable using aggressive or shady tactics, a Chatham councillor hopes to rid the community of door-to-door salespeople.
Coun. Marjorie Crew entered a notice of motion during Monday's meeting requesting a staff report on the feasibility of such a move.
Outside council chambers, she said many residents have complained that something needs to be done.
"There's no reason for people in this day and age to go to people at their homes to sell things door to door," Crew said, noting energy companies pose a significant problem in recent times.
The issue is sometimes more than a minor annoyance, she said, citing high-pressure sales pitches that can cause one to worry for his or her safety, especially if the salesperson refuses to leave.
"People hand them their utility bills ... and then they're stuck in contracts that they can't get out of when they don't even understand what's happening to them," she said. "There was actually a case just recently where the police were involved, because (the resident) couldn't get the guy out of their house."Crew said while many residents are able to firmly say no to a bothersome vendor, others who can't tend to become victims.
She said there are measures the municipality can take, since it licenses vendors. If her motion passes at a future meeting, the report would touch on the potential revenue loss, in addition to the community benefits of banning the practice.
"The cost for a licence for door-to-door (sales) is $500 for three days," she said. "You don't have to license them, but it's up to council to set that direction."
Crew said there would likely be exemptions, such as children who are fundraising for school or various groups.
"I'm not talking about the neighbourhood kids that are coming door to door," she said.
http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/2013/05/27/councillor-wants-to-ban-door-to-door-sales
Coun. Marjorie Crew entered a notice of motion during Monday's meeting requesting a staff report on the feasibility of such a move.
Outside council chambers, she said many residents have complained that something needs to be done.
"There's no reason for people in this day and age to go to people at their homes to sell things door to door," Crew said, noting energy companies pose a significant problem in recent times.
The issue is sometimes more than a minor annoyance, she said, citing high-pressure sales pitches that can cause one to worry for his or her safety, especially if the salesperson refuses to leave.
"People hand them their utility bills ... and then they're stuck in contracts that they can't get out of when they don't even understand what's happening to them," she said. "There was actually a case just recently where the police were involved, because (the resident) couldn't get the guy out of their house."Crew said while many residents are able to firmly say no to a bothersome vendor, others who can't tend to become victims.
She said there are measures the municipality can take, since it licenses vendors. If her motion passes at a future meeting, the report would touch on the potential revenue loss, in addition to the community benefits of banning the practice.
"The cost for a licence for door-to-door (sales) is $500 for three days," she said. "You don't have to license them, but it's up to council to set that direction."
Crew said there would likely be exemptions, such as children who are fundraising for school or various groups.
"I'm not talking about the neighbourhood kids that are coming door to door," she said.
http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/2013/05/27/councillor-wants-to-ban-door-to-door-sales
