The “bucket brigade” has had its swan song.

Under a new ordinance adopted by the Peachtree City Council Thursday night, no one will be allowed to set up shop on or near city streets and highways to hit motorists up for money or business.

Politicians who want to set up shop in rights-of-way and wave to oncoming vehicles are not restricted by the ordinance, however, as that is a “free speech issue,” according to City Attorney Ted Meeker.

Under the new regulations, door-to-door solicitors are now required to get their permit from the police department instead of at City Hall, and they must prove they have acquired a valid state sales tax number and filed an occupational tax return with the city. Such applicants must also provide evidence of good character, according to the ordinance.

The soliciting permits cost $25 per day, per person.

The new ordinance will make Peachtree City “a lot safer,” said Police Chief James Murray. It was noted that solicitors who took to the roads would create traffic hazards, particularly at busy intersections like the one at Ga. highways 54 and 74.

Transient merchants — such as those which sell items from a tractor trailer — are also restricted under the ordinance. If it is located at an existing business location in the city, the transient merchant can operate only between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with no sales on Sundays. Transient merchants must also stay 50 feet away from all right-of-way in the area.

A special exception was carved out so farmers selling goods raised on their farm are not required to seek a permit from the city to do so. Also exempt are government officers and employees, local non-profit organizations including Boy Scouts, civic clubs and other political and educational organizations. That waiver will be void if the soliciting is done by a paid solicitor, however.

Other exemptions include:

• A traveling salesman representing a business located in Georgia and taking orders for future delivery;

• A city resident holding a garage, rummage, antique or similar sale; and

• A person operating from a permanent location in the city.

Door-to-door soliciting is also restricted to a specific timeframe for daylight hours that changes in the spring and fall, with no solicitation allowed on Sundays. A similar restriction was contained in the city’s previous ordinance.

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