Bristol, CT Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Article II of Chapter 13, the Licenses and Miscellaneous Business Regulations chapter, regulates junk dealers in the City of Bristol. Section 13-16 makes it unlawful to carry on the business of, or deal in, secondhand bicycles, junk, old metal or other secondhand articles without a license issued under sections 13-17 through 13-21. Section 13-18 gives the chief of police authority to grant licenses to suitable persons to be dealers and traders in those goods within the city, and § 13-20 lets the chief revoke any such license for cause.

The license carries a $25 fee under § 13-17, payable for the benefit of the city, and under § 13-19 each license must state the location where the licensed business will be carried on. Section 13-21 fixes the license term at one year unless it is sooner revoked, so a dealer must renew annually to keep operating lawfully. Section 13-22 folds the state's general statutes on reports, records, affidavits and penalties for licensed dealers into this article, so a Bristol junk dealer is also subject to those state recordkeeping obligations as part of the local license.