Fall River, MA Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)
Key Facts
- License authority
- Fall River City Council
- Fine for violation
- $300 per offense
- Records retention
- 3 years, transaction log required
- Resale holding period
- 30 days before resale
- Minors
- Purchases from minors prohibited
Summary
Anyone dealing in junk, old metals, or secondhand articles in Fall River, Massachusetts must hold a City Council license before opening, with notice, a public hearing, and strict recordkeeping for every transaction.
No person shall carry on the business of a dealer in or keeper of a shop for the purchase, sale, barter or storage of junk, newspapers, old metals or secondhand articles unless he is duly licensed therefor by the City Council in accordance with the provisions of MGL c. 140, §§ 54 through 56.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4739915; v14 updated 2025-12-23; through 12-23-2025).
Full Breakdown
Fall River Code § 14-371 requires a City Council license, issued under MGL c. 140, §§ 54-56, before anyone may deal in, buy, sell, barter, or store junk, old metals, or secondhand articles. Applicants must publish hearing notice in a local paper and mail it to abutters (§§ 14-372, 14-373). Metals dealers must log every transaction, seller ID, vehicle plate, price, and item description, retain records three years, and report daily to police (§ 14-375). Purchases from minors are barred, and articles must be held 30 days before resale (§§ 14-379, 14-380).
Violations & Fines
Operating without a license, or violating the article's terms, draws a $300 fine per § 14-383; the license may be revoked by the City Council, and illegally obtained items are subject to forfeiture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to run a secondhand shop in Fall River?
How long must a dealer keep purchased items before reselling?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fall River
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