As the weather cools down out-of-town solicitors may be more prevalent, but new laws in Phoenix are making sure to keep the door-to-door visits reasonable.
Sgt. Scott McCauley of the South Mountain Precinct reminded residents of new door-to-door solicitation laws during the quarterly Tukee Talk at Pecos Community Center on Thursday night.
The new solicitation ordinance was approved by the City Council on March 2. It outlines times when door-to-door commercial solicitors are allowed to be out knocking on doors.
This time of year, from Oct. 1 to March 31, solicitors are not allowed to be knocking on doors from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. From April 1 through Sept. 30, solicitors can knock on doors until 9 p.m.
Identification must be carried by any solicitors over the age of 16, and it must be shown upon request. Solicitors under the age of 15 must carry school identification with their photo.
The law requires solicitors to leave households with a sign prohibiting soliciting. They cannot open or pass through a gate or door that has a sign, and they must leave immediately if the homeowner requests.
The penalty is a Class 1 misdemeanor, but McCauley said they will probably issue warnings before making any arrests since the law is new.
For more information on the new law, visit phoenix.gov and search "Door-to-door soliciting."
• Contact writer: (480) 898-7914 or ahurtado@ahwatukee.com
