Plymouth, MA regulates door-to-door solicitors, hawkers, peddlers, and transient vendors under Chapter 85 of the Town General Bylaws. A license/permit is required from the Town Clerk before soliciting in residential neighborhoods. Massachusetts statute (Chapter 101 β Transient Vendors, Hawkers and Peddlers) provides the underlying state framework.
Town of Plymouth General Bylaws Chapter 85 governs hawkers, peddlers, and transient vendors. Anyone going door-to-door to sell goods or services β or to solicit business other than for a recognized charity β must first obtain a permit from the Town Clerk's office and present identification on request. The Bylaw typically restricts solicitation hours to daytime (commonly 9 a.m.-7 p.m. or sunset). Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 101 supplies the state-level statutory definitions and minor-employment prohibitions (MGL 101-21). Plymouth honors Massachusetts case law protecting non-commercial speech (religious, political, charitable) β these solicitors don't need a commercial permit but must comply with reasonable time/place rules.
Soliciting without a Chapter 85 permit is a violation enforceable by Plymouth Police. First offenses typically result in a warning and removal from the premises; repeat or refusing-to-leave situations can lead to fines and trespass charges. Posted "No Soliciting" signs on private property must be respected.
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See how Plymouth's solicitor permits rules stack up against other locations.
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