Carpentersville passes law curbing soliciting

Starting Oct. 28 in Carpentersville, regulations will kick in for those who leave handbills on public property or on private property that contains “no soliciting” or other related signs.

Tuesday night, the village board voted unanimously to keep companies or individuals from distributing fliers, leaflets, newspapers, samples, pamphlets and other related information to such places.

The onus is on the individual to report violators to police.

The first time, police would ask the company or group to stop leaving the unwanted materials. If the incident happened again and if the person reporting it had proof, the offender could face a fine.

In Carpentersville, handbill distributors are supposed to purchase a $40 monthly solicitor’s license from the village to do business. They can still pass out their circulars but will need to avoid public property and private property designated as “no soliciting” zones.

In addition to advertising materials, the ordinance now covers religious and campaign information, an addition that a spokesman from the American Civil Liberties Union said does not violate the First Amendment.

But Village President Ed Ritter said potential problems could arise because the law does not discuss where door-to-door campaigning falls.

“It’s not clear how it might affect campaigners,” said Ritter, who did not vote on Tuesday’s measure. As president, he only votes if there is a tie.

The notion of beefing up the existing soliciting ordinance was prompted by a pair of residents who complained about people passing out handbills, Village Attorney James Rhodes said.

Unwanted newspapers have also appeared at village hall.

The goal is to let individuals decide whether they want advertisements and other promotions private space to crowd their private space.

The village also hopes to protect property and keep the streets clear of clutter and other litter that could result from the discarded paperwork.