HD14 - Report of the Joint Subcommittee Studying the Licensing of Itinerant Merchants and Peddlers

  • Published: 1985
  • Author: Joint Subcommittee Studying the Licensing of Itinerant Merchants and Peddlers
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 79 (Regular Session, 1984)

Executive Summary:
The joint subcommittee was formed as a result of House Joint Resolution No. 79 which was sponsored by Delegate Claude W. Anderson. The resolution was introduced because of the recent large increases in the number of itinerant merchants, peddlers, flea markets, and shows in which exhibitors sell their products. The joint subcommittee was directed to study the advisability of the Commonwealth's licensing itinerant merchants and peddlers and persons and businesses either operating or exhibiting goods for sale at flea markets and shows. The major focus of the joint subcommittee was to examine the extent of this type of activity in Virginia and to clarify the confusion that exists regarding whether localities may impose a local license tax on itinerant merchants and peddlers of up to $500 per year if the locality already imposes a merchants' capital tax. Secondly, the joint subcommittee examined Virginia's laws as they relate to penalties which localities can impose on itinerant merchants and peddlers for failure to obtain a local license.