Residents of Mt. Laurel Township have a new method to keep unwanted solicitors from their doorsteps.
The township has passed a “Do Not Solicit” ordinance that allows residents to add their address to a list on file with the township that will outline residences solicitors and peddlers are legally prevented from visiting.
Residents may be familiar with similar laws in other municipalities in South Jersey, such as Lumberton Township, Washington Township and nearby Evesham Township.
Once in full effect, residents will be able to request a form on file with the township clerk’s office to begin the process of adding their address to the “Do Not Solicit” list.
In addition, the clerk’s office shall also periodically provide notices to residents to notify them of the opportunity to add their residence to the list.
Once a residence is on the list, that residence shall remain on the list for three years. Once those three years have passed, the township will then remind those residents to indicate whether they wish to remain on the list for an additional three years.
This list will then remain on file with the township, and the township will present the list to any and all solicitors the township has licensed to operate within Mt. Laurel.
Solicitors will then be required to keep a copy of the list on their person during their solicitation activities.
As an added measure, the township shall provide residences on the list with a sign to be placed at or near the primary entrance to the property to provide “further confirmation” to any solicitors that the property in question is a participant in the township’s “Do Not Solicit” list.
Any solicitor who violates the “Do Not Solicit” list can be subject to a one-year revocation of their solicitation license and can be ineligible to receive a new license for a period of year coinciding with revocation of their first license.
The “Do Not Solicit” list will also be provided to the Mt. Laurel Township Police Department in the event of any complaint pursuant to a violation of the ordinance governing the list.
As noted by township officials at recent council meetings, this new “Do Not Solicit” list comes in addition to several other precautions the township has enacted to govern solicitors operating in the township.
In addition to the new list, all solicitors operating in Mt. Laurel Township must first register with the township and receive an official solicitation license.
Also, the names, photographs, parent organizations and business addresses of those solicitors are available for residents to check at any time on the township’s website.
Of note, township officials have also reminded residents that the “Do Not Knock” list cannot prevent political or religious organizations from visiting residences, as those activities are protected free speech laws under the First Amendment.
