Bristol, CT Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Section 17-31 of the Bristol Code of Ordinances makes it unlawful for anyone to engage in the business of solicitor or canvasser, as defined in Sec. 17-16(b) to cover door-to-door order-taking for future delivery of goods, magazines or services, without first getting a permit and license from the police department. Sec. 17-32 requires a sworn written application naming the applicant, giving a local and legal address, describing the business and any employer relationship, stating how long the solicitation will run, and attaching a two-by-two-inch photograph taken within the prior sixty days along with a disclosure of any prior criminal or ordinance conviction.

Under Sec. 17-33, the applicant pays a $15 fee to cover the chief of police's investigation into the applicant's business and moral character; if the investigation turns up an unsatisfactory record the chief endorses a disapproval with reasons, and if satisfactory the chief issues the permit on payment of the license fee set in Sec. 17-34(b): $10 per week, $40 per month, or $75 per year, with annual fees halved after July 1. Sec. 17-35 requires the license and an accompanying badge marked 'licensed solicitor and canvasser' with the license number, which Sec.

17-37 requires the canvasser to exhibit at all times while working. Sec. 17-38 lets the chief of police revoke the license after notice and a hearing for fraud, misrepresentation, a moral-turpitude conviction, or conducting the business unlawfully, and Sec. 17-39 gives the applicant a right to appeal a denial or revocation to the city council within fourteen days.