The operations of transient merchants, peddlers, solicitors
and canvassers raises valid public concerns related to public safety,
public health, crime and fraudulent business practices. It is the
purpose of this chapter to regulate these activities for the benefit
of the residents of the Township of Raritan.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
APPLICANT
Every person who has applied for a license to peddle, solicit
and canvass in the Township or act as a transient merchant.
CANVASS
Going from door to door or from place to place by traveling
on the streets and roads or standing within the streets and roads
or public rights-of-way for the purpose of obtaining the views of
any person upon any economic or social question or project or for
the purpose of distributing literature, leaflets, pamphlets, advertisements,
circulars, samples, door hangers or other written material for the
purposes of information and/or advertising.
COMMERCIAL PURPOSES
For the purpose of selling goods, services or wares or advertising
goods, services or wares with the intent of profit-making. However,
no peddling, canvassing, or soliciting by nonprofit or charitable
organizations shall be considered a commercial purpose.
MERCHANDISE
Any and all goods or wares which are ordinarily the objects
of trade and commerce. "Merchandise" shall also mean and refer to
orders or contracts for a service, home improvement or alteration.
PEDDLE
Going from door to door or from place to place by traveling
on the streets and roads or standing within the streets and roads
or public rights-of-way in an effort to take orders for present or
future delivery of merchandise, as defined herein.
SOLICIT
Going from door to door or from place to place by traveling
on the streets and roads or standing within the streets and roads
or public rights-of-way to plead or ask for contributions or donations,
monetary or otherwise, for any person, group, association or corporation.
TRANSIENT MERCHANT
A person, corporation or partnership who engages in a merchandising
business in New Jersey with intent to close out or discontinue the
business in the Township within one year from the date of commencement
and, for the purpose of carrying out such business, hires, leases
or occupies any building or structure for the exhibition and sale
of goods. Transient merchants who also lease or occupy motel facilities
for the conduct of their business shall be deemed as intending to
temporarily be located within Raritan Township for less than one year.
Operating as a transient merchant is, presumptively, a commercial
purpose pursuant to this chapter.
Any violation of this chapter shall be punishable by a fine of $2,000 and/or imprisonment as prescribed in §
1-5, General penalty, of the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of Raritan.