Village Solicitors Regulations
The Village of Winthrop Harbor frequently receives questions regarding people going door-to-door and soliciting. Please review the following FAQ's regarding door-to-door solicitors:
Does the Village regulate door-to-door solicitors?
Yes. Solicitors within the Village of Winthrop Harbor must first apply for and be approved for a permit to solicit within the Village. Solicitors must also adhere to specific guidelines and rules regulating door-to-door solicitation. The Village, however, is limited in our powers over soliciting under federal and state law, but residents are not limited in refusing to allow solicitors on their property. The Village encourages residents to post “no soliciting” signs on their front doors by people wishing to avoid being solicited.
Do solicitors need to identify themselves?
Yes. All solicitors in the Village of Winthrop Harbor will now receive a solicitors permit card which must be carried with them at all times. All solicitors who hold a valid permit in the Village should be able to provide this when asked; if they are unable to provide a permit card, do not hesitate to call 911 to report them.
Why can't the Village ban door-to-door solicitors?
The First Amendment and the U.S. Constitution protect the rights of door-to-door solicitors and preclude the ability of a community to ban door-to-door sales. The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld free speech for commercial purposes and the Village's ability to restrict commercial door-to-door solicitation is limited to local regulations restricting the time, place and manner of door-to-door solicitations. Homeowners and occupants, however, do have the ultimate right to determine whether solicitors shall or shall not be invited to their residences or property.
The solicitor that came to my home was pushy and rude. Is there something the Village can do?
The Village of Winthrop Harbor does not directly regulate the demeanor or style of individual sales, employees or solicitors. Remember, however, that as a homeowner or occupant, you may at any time ask a solicitor to leave your property and if they refuse, call 911 for assistance. Every resident has the right to feel secure in their own home. Should you ever feel threatened or unsafe based upon the behavior of a solicitor or peddler, please get in touch with the Police immediately. Further, citizens who feel they have been the victim of unlawful solicitation or believe a solicitor is violating the law are urged to contact the Police immediately so that officers may locate the individuals involved and investigate.
What about energy providers and alternate residential energy supplier solicitors?
Residents should specifically be aware of door-to-door energy supplier sales and solicitations. The Village of Winthrop Harbor does not send people door-to-door to register for the supply of alternate energy. The Village encourages residents who wish to sign up with their energy provider to initiate first contact with the provider after comparing all rates and options.
