[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Irondequoit 10-16-2014 by L.L. No. 2-2014.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law also repealed former Ch. 165, Pawnbrokers, adopted 10-19-2010 by L.L. No. 2-2010.
The Town Board finds that:
A. 
The creation of a Town-specific licensing and reporting program for personal property acquired by pawnbrokers, secondhand dealers and jewelry and coin exchange dealers will curtail the distribution and facilitate the recovery of stolen property in the Town of Irondequoit.
B. 
The establishment of such a licensing and reporting system to monitor and track the transactions set forth in this chapter is necessary for the protection of the citizens of the Town of Irondequoit and is reasonable and appropriate for pawnbrokers, secondhand dealers and jewelry and coin exchange dealers.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ANTIQUES
Such items or collectibles recognized as such by established dealer associations within the industry.
CHIEF OF POLICE
The Town of Irondequoit Chief of Police or his/her designee or representative.
JEWELRY
Articles composed (in whole or in part) of gold, silver, or other precious metals, gems or gemstones which, as constructed, are designed to be worn for personal adornment.
JEWELRY AND COIN EXCHANGE DEALER
Persons or business establishments engaged in the business of sale, purchase, or exchange of precious metals and/or jewelry for other objects of precious metal, jewelry, United States currency, bank drafts, other negotiable instruments as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code or any other object or thing of value within the Town of Irondequoit, including the sale, purchase, or exchange of such goods from the Town of Irondequoit through Internet commerce sites.
PAWNBROKER
Any person or business establishment which holds goods as collateral on short-term, high-interest loans or a person who qualifies as a "collateral loan broker" pursuant to § 52 of the New York General Business Law.
PRECIOUS METALS
Gold, silver, platinum, copper or coins, utensils, or objects containing one or more of those metals.
SECONDHAND ARTICLE
Any article or object, with the exception of clothing, books, that has previously been bought or sold at retail and/or which has been previously used and/or is not in a new condition. This shall include any "gift card" or other electronic payment device that is usable at a single merchant or an affiliated group of merchants that share the same name, mark, or logo, is issued in a specific amount, and may or may not be increased in value or reloaded, or as otherwise defined in Article 26, § 396(1), or Article 13, § 1315, of the New York State General Business Law.
SECONDHAND DEALER
Any person or business establishment who deals in the purchase, sale, exchange or pledge as security for a sum of money of any secondhand article within the Town of Irondequoit, including the purchase, sale, exchange or pledge as security for a sum of money for or of such goods from the Town of Irondequoit through Internet commerce sites.
A. 
It shall be unlawful for a pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or jewelry and coin exchange dealer to purchase any articles, jewelry or precious metals from any person whom such dealer knows to be or has reason to believe to be under the age of 18 years.
B. 
It shall be unlawful for any pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or jewelry and coin exchange dealer to sell, dispose of, destroy, alter or remove from such dealer's premises any articles, jewelry or precious metals until the expiration of 14 calendar days after the electronic reporting by such dealer of any such articles, jewelry or precious metals.
C. 
When requested to do so by the Chief of Police in connection with a law enforcement investigation, it shall be unlawful for any pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or jewelry and coin exchange dealer to sell, dispose of, destroy, alter or remove from such dealer's premises any articles, jewelry or precious metals until the expiration of 30 calendar days from the date of the request. Upon the written request of the Chief of Police, the property shall be held for up to two additional thirty-day periods.
D. 
Dealers shall not employ any person who has been convicted within three years of any felony related to the operation of a business or who has had a dealer's license revoked or denied within the past year.
E. 
No dealer shall permit his or her place of business to remain open for the transaction of business any time except between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
A. 
Every pawnbroker, secondhand dealer and jewelry and coin exchange dealer operating within the Town of Irondequoit is required to be licensed according to this chapter. The Chief of Police shall be the licensing authority authorized to issue licenses for pawnbrokers, secondhand dealers and jewelry and coin exchange dealers.
B. 
Licenses shall expire annually on December 31 after date of issuance.
C. 
The initial fee for the first issuance of a license to every pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or jewelry and coin exchange dealer shall be $250. The annual fee thereafter shall be $150. There shall be a fee of $10 for replacement of a lost license.
D. 
An application for a pawnbroker's, secondhand dealer's or jewelry and coin exchange dealer's license (hereinafter "dealer's license") shall be made by the owner (or operator, if different from the owner) on forms provided by and filed with the Town Clerk. The application shall include relevant information relative to the owner or operator, the business to be conducted at the premises, and the names and dates of birth of all employees, meeting the following requirements:
(1) 
If a pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or jewelry and coin exchange dealer business, as defined above, employs over five people at a location, the employee names, dates of birth, and dates of employment shall be kept and made available for inspection by the Chief of Police for one year.
(2) 
Where the owner is not directly involved with the day-to-day operation of said business, the operator must also be included on the application. If a partnership, corporation or other business entity is involved, the application must designate an operator who is involved in the day-to-day operation of the business. In this situation, the dealer's license shall be issued to the operator; the names, addresses and phone numbers of the partners, officers or principals shall also be listed on the application. All addresses of persons involved shall be home addresses listing street and number.
(3) 
The application shall also require the legal address of the premises where such business is to be carried out and whether the applicant or any officer and operator has previously been involved in the purchase or sale of secondhand goods and, if so, the name of the business, its location and the dates of involvement. The application shall be signed and sworn to before a notary public or other official authorized to administer oaths in the county.
(4) 
The application shall also include any and all e-commerce websites, including Internet storefronts, third-party sales outlets, as well as any and all written or electronic classified advertisements. The application shall further include any seller names or otherwise identifying names used within those e-commerce sites.
E. 
Before the issuance of a dealer's license, the Chief of Police shall have the right to enter upon such premises during normal business hours for the purpose of making inspections. After a dealer's license has been issued, further inspections of the premises to ensure compliance with the laws, ordinances and rules and regulations relating to the dealer's business may be made in any area of the premises.
F. 
Any change in the facts or information required on said application that occurs after the application has been filed shall be reported by the licensee, in writing, to the Chief of Police within 10 days of the change.
G. 
All applications for dealer's licenses shall be issued or denied within 30 days after a fully completed application has been received by the Chief of Police. The applicant shall be notified, in writing, of any delay which is due to incomplete application, investigative delays, or other reasonable cause.
H. 
Except as provided in Article 23-a of the New York State Correction Law, the Chief of Police reserves the right to deny a dealer's license to any person convicted of any crime related to the operation of the business. No person who stands convicted of a felony (other than those defined by the Vehicle and Traffic Law) shall be eligible for a license pursuant to this law.
I. 
No dealer's license shall be issued for a period of one year to any applicant that has been found guilty of operating a business without a dealer's license when required under state or local law.
J. 
Dealer's licenses shall not be transferred. In the event of any change involving the owner or operator of the business or the business location, a new dealer's license shall be required. A dealer's license shall not be transferred to any person who holds power of attorney.
K. 
The Chief of Police may deny or revoke any license granted herein in the following situations:
(1) 
Where the dealer has made a false statement in connection with its application; or
(2) 
Where the dealer revokes the consent to examine such records and items or refuses to allow inspection of its premises; or
(3) 
Where the dealer has more than five violations in one inspection or two convictions of a violation in the calendar year.
L. 
The following entities are exempt from the licensing requirements of this chapter:
(1) 
Any dealer that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or § 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code; or
(2) 
Garage sales, basement sales, porch sales, yard sales, auctions, and other such events at which a person desires to sell or trade his or her personal used items, household goods, furniture or equipment upon his or her premises, said premises not being a regular place of business or purchase or sale of secondhand items, shall be exempted from the license requirement of this chapter. No more than three such sales shall be conducted by the same person or persons upon the same premises within one calendar year, and each such sale shall not exceed three consecutive days.
(3) 
Any jewelry or coin exchange dealer whose annual gross retail sales are comprised of less than 15% of secondhand articles. Any jewelry or coin exchange dealer claiming this exemption must provide written proof of its applicability by a certified public accountant within 20 days upon request of any law enforcement agency.
(4) 
Any dealer in secondhand or used motor vehicles.
(5) 
Any sale conducted pursuant to statute or by order of any court or sales by executors or administrators.
(6) 
The sale of antiques by an antique dealer, or his/her employee or associate, provided that the antique dealer:
(a) 
Has an established antique shop advertised and promoted as such; or
(b) 
Exhibits at least twice a year at established advertised and/or promoted antique shows; or
(c) 
Is a private dealer working from home and/or nonretail location and has applied for and has been granted a New York State resale number for collection and submission of sales tax.
(7) 
The sale of secondhand articles at antique shows or trade shows, where such shows are advertised and/or promoted as such.
(8) 
Any secondhand clothing store where 100% of its gross revenues are related to items of clothing, shoes, and/or other wearable items (e.g., hats, scarves, belts) except for jewelry. Any clothing store claiming this exemption must provide written proof of its applicability by a certified public accountant within 20 days upon request of any law enforcement agency.
(9) 
The occasional sale, purchase or exchange of coins or stamps by a person at his/her permanent residence who is engaged in the hobby of collecting coins or stamps and who does not solicit the sale, purchase or exchange of such coins or stamps to or from the general public by billboard, sign, handbill, newspaper, magazine, radio, television, Internet or other form of printed or electronic advertising.
(10) 
Any store where 100% of its gross revenues comes from consignment. Any store claiming this exemption must provide written proof of its applicability by a certified public accountant within 20 days upon request of any law enforcement agency.
(11) 
This chapter shall not apply to the return of secondhand items for credit, exchange or refund to the person from whom said items were originally obtained, provided that the items were not secondhand items when originally obtained.
M. 
If an application for a license is denied or an existing license is revoked, the applicant or holder of the revoked license may, within 10 calendar days of notice of denial or revocation, request reconsideration by the Chief of Police by providing him or her with any additional, relevant information. The Chief of Police shall, within 10 calendar days of receipt of the reconsideration materials, issue a final notice of denial or revocation setting forth the grounds upon which the license was either denied or revoked. Such final notice shall be transmitted by certified or registered mail.
A. 
Dealers shall comply with all provisions of federal, state and local laws and ordinances relating to the conduct of businesses and occupation, use and maintenance of the premises and shall ensure that all of their employees and agents do also. Where the dealer is also a pawn dealer, the dealer shall comply with Article 5 of the New York State General Business Law entitled "Collateral Loan Brokers Law."
B. 
All dealers covered under this chapter shall cause the dealer's license and business permit to be posted in a conspicuous place immediately visible upon entering the business establishment.
C. 
If the dealer or employee of any establishment covered by this chapter has reason to believe from the circumstances presented that an item has been stolen or acquired by dishonest means, it shall be his or her duty to immediately report same to the Chief of Police.
D. 
In the event the Irondequoit Police Department confiscates property from a business covered under this chapter as evidence or for safekeeping in an investigation or to return to an owner, the Irondequoit Police Department shall issue a receipt to the business. The receipt shall contain a crime report number which references the investigation.
E. 
Any dealer covered under this chapter shall release to the Irondequoit Police Department any item in the dealer's possession when:
(1) 
The item is established to be stolen; and
(2) 
The owner of the item or the victim of a theft has positively identified the item and provided an affidavit of ownership and has made a report of the theft to any law enforcement agency; and
(3) 
The stolen property report describes the item by one or more of the following: date, initials, an insurance record, a photograph, a sales receipt, a serial number, specific damage, or a statement of facts that show the item is one of a kind or a unique engraving; and
(4) 
The dealer is given a receipt for the item released.
F. 
Any dealer covered by this chapter who is required to relinquish an item pursuant to this provision is not entitled to demand or condition the release upon any reimbursement from the law enforcement agency, the owner of the item, or the victim of the theft. A dealer who is himself or herself a victim of a crime may seek restitution or reparation in accordance with the New York State Penal Law.
A. 
It shall be the duty of every pawnbroker, secondhand dealer and jewelry and coin exchange dealer to verify the identity of every person from whom a purchase is made through acceptable photographic identification (as detailed below) and to make and to keep a written record of the nature of the evidence submitted by such person to prove identity. The signature of the dealer shall be included in the recording of each transaction.
B. 
Only the following shall be deemed acceptable evidence of identity: any official document (except a social security account number card) issued by the United States government, any state, county, municipality or subdivision thereof, any public agency or department thereof, or any public or private employer, which requires and bears the signature of the person to whom issued.
C. 
It shall be the duty of every pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or jewelry and coin exchange dealer to require that every person from whom any article, jewelry or precious metal is purchased sign his/her name in the presence of the pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or jewelry and coin exchange dealer and to compare the signature on the identifying document, if any, and retain on said premises the person's signature, together with the number and description of the identifying document, if any.
D. 
If the individual is acting as an agent for a principal, proof of the principal's true name, date of birth and residence address.
E. 
It shall further be the duty of every pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or jewelry and coin exchange dealer to take, and maintain, a copy or digital photo of the identification required by § 165-6B above.
F. 
It shall further be the duty of every pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or jewelry and coin exchange dealer to take, and maintain, a digital photograph of each article, jewelry or precious metal received or purchased by the dealer or otherwise in his or her possession. The photograph must include the serial number and model number or product key if the item(s) contain those features.
G. 
It shall further be the duty of every pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or jewelry and coin exchange dealer to affix a tag to each article, jewelry or precious metal received or purchased by the dealer or otherwise in his or her possession. The tag will include the date and time of purchase of said article and will include a brief description of the article or a corresponding ticket number that will be generated via the electronic reporting system.
A. 
Every pawnbroker, secondhand dealer and jewelry and coin exchange dealer shall furnish to the Chief of Police all information requested by such agency relative to all records required to be kept under this chapter no later than 48 hours after receipt of any item covered by this chapter. If any items composed wholly or in part of articles, jewelry or precious metals shall be advertised in any newspaper printed in the County of Monroe as having been lost or stolen, and if any items matching such advertised description or any part thereof shall be in or come into possession of any pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or jewelry and coin exchange dealer upon receiving actual written or oral notice of the similarity of description of such articles, such pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or jewelry and coin exchange dealer shall immediately give information relating thereto to the Chief of Police. No disposition of such items shall be effected until authorization to do so is given to such dealer by the Chief of Police.
B. 
Every dealer covered by this chapter shall upload to the Chief of Police electronic records of all reportable transactions. Each transaction record shall contain all information required by this chapter and shall be uploaded via Internet connection to an electronic reporting service determined by the Chief of Police according to the following procedures:
(1) 
Using point of sale software, all dealers covered by this chapter shall review the compatibility of their software with the electronic reporting service used by the Chief of Police, and dealers with compliant point-of-sale software shall electronically upload all required information from their point-of-sale software to the specified electronic reporting service via Internet connection using the upload process or reporting service; or
(2) 
All dealers covered by this chapter and using point-of-sale software noncompliant with that utilized by the Irondequoit Police Department or not using point of sale software shall manually enter all reportable transactions into the electronic reporting service via Internet connection.
(3) 
In the event that any dealer covered by this chapter is unable to successfully upload transaction records via the electronic reporting service within the required 48 hours, the dealer shall, within 24 hours of the unsuccessful upload, notify the Chief of Police of the reason for the submission failure and provide the Chief of Police with an estimated time of compliance. Under these circumstances, the dealer shall provide the Chief of Police a daily electronic data table or spreadsheet of all transactions that would otherwise have been submitted via the electronic reporting service. This data shall either be hand-delivered or e-mailed to the Chief of Police no later than one business day after the transaction date.
A. 
A dealer shall release to the Irondequoit Police Department any item in the dealer's possession if:
(1) 
The item is established to be stolen;
(2) 
The owner of the item or the victim of the theft has positively identified the item and provided an affidavit of ownership and made a report of the theft to a law enforcement agency;
(3) 
The stolen property report describes the item by one or more of the following: date, initials, an insurance record, a photograph, a sales receipt, a serial number, specific damage, a statement of facts that show the item is one of a kind or a unique engraving; and
(4) 
The dealer is given a receipt for the item released.
B. 
When the Irondequoit Police Department no longer needs an item for evidence, it shall be returned to the owner.
Any violation of the provisions of this chapter shall constitute an offense and shall be punished as follows:
A. 
Any individual, partnership, corporation or any other legal entity violating the provisions of this chapter or failing to take reasonable action to prevent the violation of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $200 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second offense, and $3,000 for each subsequent offense. Each such violation shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
B. 
Any member of the Town of Irondequoit Police Department shall have the authority, pursuant to New York State Criminal Procedure Law, to issue an appearance ticket subscribed by him/her directing a designated person to appear in a designated local criminal court at a designated future time in connection with the alleged violation of this chapter or any order made hereunder.
C. 
In addition to the above-provided penalties and punishment, the Town of Irondequoit also may maintain an action or proceeding in the name of the Town in a court of competent jurisdiction to compel compliance with the provisions of this chapter or to restrain by injunction any offense against this chapter.
D. 
No remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be the exclusive remedy or penalty available to address the violation of the chapter, and each remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the other remedies or penalties allowed under other applicable law. This chapter shall be enforced by the Chief of Police.
A. 
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section or article of this chapter shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such determination shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section or article thereof directly involved in the proceeding in which such adjudication shall have been rendered.
B. 
This chapter is intended to supersede Chapter 384 of the Monroe County Code entitled "Pawnbrokers, Secondhand Dealers and Jewelry and Coin Exchange Dealers."