Guilford Approves New “Peddling and Soliciting Ordinance”

GUILFORD, CT — Guilford officials unanimously approved a new ordinance designed to tighten up rules concerning peddling and soliciting in town at the most recent Board of Selectmen meeting.

Before passing the ordinance the Selectmen held a public hearing on An Ordinance to Amend the Code of the Town of Guilford – Chapter 218, Peddling and Soliciting.”

Guilford Town Counsel Pam Millman said she has been working very closely with the police chief on this.

She added that a few things had to be upgraded to bring the ordinance and references up to date with current statutory references.

In addition they included due process and appeal rights if a license is revoked. Like the previous ordinance there is a provision for the police chief with the advice of the police commission to create separate rules and regulations to handle more specifics. These are not built into the ordinance so they can be easily amended over time.

She then went over some of the areas covered in those rules and regulations such as no peddling or soliciting within 300 feet of school property, unless a waiver is granted by the superintendent.

There are details about mobile food establishments and preferred vending locations that encompass various town parking lots at the Marina, Town Hall, Jacobs Beach, etc.

Selectman Charles Havdra asked if any consideration was given to trash from the establishments.

Millman explained that it is in the rules and regulations. They are required to dispose of their own garbage. It was noted that if a person purchases food and walks across the Green they cannot control where that individual disposes of that garbage.

There was discussion about single day events at the schools and the exemption for those selling under the age of 18.

One resident asked if this ordinance amendment was an attempt to wrest control of vending at the beaches from Parks and Recreation.

First Selectman Matt Hoey explained that they will work with Parks and Recreation to make sure there is service at the beach. They will clarify the process and make sure they identify safe areas in the lot for the vendors.

Park and Recreation Director Rick Maynard said they don’t really allow vending at Lake Quonnipaug because the parking lot is across the street and it would be dangerous for people and kids to cross to get to it.

After the discussion, the new ordinance was approved unanimously.