“Travelling magazine sales is one of the top-five most dangerous jobs for youth,” said City Council Member Gary Schiff, who authored the ordinance changes. “If a youth comes to your door this summer, look for a photo ID. If you don't see one, don’t buy a magazine. Instead, offer the 24 hour phone number for Parent Watch at 917-579-4641 so these youth can get a bus ticket home. And then call 911 so we can catch the companies that are exploiting youth.”
The photo identification rule does not apply to canvassers, including people who advocate for religious, social, or political causes.
The City has regulated traveling vendors since 1960 as a way to provide consumer protection. These ordinance revisions are intended to create reasonable rules that protect youth and consumers while supporting the rights to freedom of speech, religion, and interstate commerce.
