08-07-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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RELEVANT LINKS: League of Minnesota Cities Information Memo: 1/4/2016 Regulating Peddlers, Solicitors and Transient Merchants Page 5 The bond is conditioned on the merchant conforming to all laws relating to transient merchants, complying with all material oral or written statements and representations made in regard to merchandise offered for sale, as well as on the faithful performance of any warranties made with the merchandise. Minn. Stat. § 329.13. Minn. Stat. § 329.17. When goods are brought into the state by a nonresident and it is claimed that such stock is to be sold at reduced prices, it is considered prima facie (“on its face”) evidence that the person (partnership or corporation) selling those goods is a transient merchant. Anyone acting in violation of these requirements is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. Minn. Stat. § 329.15. Minn. Stat. § 412.221, subd. 19. Minn. Stat. § 437.02. In addition, statutory and home rule charter cities have the specific authority to adopt ordinances to regulate, control, and license transient merchants, as well as provide criminal penalties for violating city regulations. State ex rel. Greenwood v. Nolan, 108 Minn. 170, 122 N.W. 255 (1909). State v. Schmidt, 280 Minn. 281, 159 N.W.2d 113 (1968). Licensing or other city ordinances regulating transient merchants must apply uniformly to all transient dealers regardless of residence, locale, or otherwise. 94 A.L.R. 1076. A volume of legal authority recognizes classifications based on the temporary nature of transient merchants as valid, and finds that it is proper to distinguish between temporary enterprises and permanently established businesses. D.Commercial vs. non-commercial In addition to categorizing conduct as peddling, soliciting, or transient merchant sales, these activities also need to be evaluated as to whether they are commercial or non-commercial in nature. See LMC information memo, Public Nuisances. Often, the action or conduct is a nuisance and possibly a violation of city ordinance. In reality, it is not that easy to define community concerns and tolerances. To illustrate the practical differences involved, consider: •The resident, unbothered when non-profits ring the doorbell selling candy bars, but infuriated when a vacuum salesperson comes calling. •The resident, who doesn’t mind the vacuum salesperson who maintains an office on Main Street, but doesn’t want to be disturbed by similar salespersons who live and work in another city, county, or state. •The resident who pretends to be out whenever a member of a particular religious group knocks on the door, just wanting to talk about their beliefs, but opens her door when the parish priest or pastor stops by seeking donations for the church’s latest initiative.