Can people solicit for money outside a Kansas City store? Here’s what the law says
When leaving a grocery store with your hands full of bags, even a kid or two, the last thing you want is to be asked to part with your money.
In Kansas City, as with elsewhere, these solicitors can include charities or churches asking for your donation or Girl Scouts hawking their famous cookies. And it doesn’t always stop when you get home. Door-to-door salespeople can wind up on your doorstep, selling wares from solar panels to security systems.
Luckily, Kansas City has a number of laws on the books governing selling items or asking for donations outside of businesses and on your doorstep.
Can someone ask me for money outside a Kansas City store?
Kansas City code specifies this depends on a number of factors, like where the individual is located and what they’re soliciting, according to Laura O’Sullivan, an attorney with Sandage Law.
City law states that in certain districts — downtown, Westport, Zona Rosa, 18th and Vine and the Plaza — people cannot ask for money. This means requesting donations, busking and panhandling is prohibited.
Outside of these areas, people cannot ask for money or attempt to sell you something on private property, provided there is a “no soliciting” sign or the occupant says not to sell there.
In addition, Kansas City code prohibits aggressive solicitation, which applies both to those asking for donations and selling items. This means an individual cannot follow you, touch you, make verbal threats or continue to solicit after you told them no.
Do street vendors need a license?
Kansas City law says to sell items on the street or door-to-door, a vendor must get a license.
So-called peddlers, hawkers and hucksters must obtain a business license for $62.50 per person per year, with an additional $32 for each vehicle, according to the city code of ordinances. Individuals can apply at KC BizCare, a municipal office.
Do people have to obey “No Soliciting” signs in Kansas City?
While door-to-door sales are protected under the first amendment, Kansas City residents have a simple way to discourage unwanted knocks on the door.
The city code of ordinance states, “No person shall solicit anything or any action from any person at property designated by a sign, conspicuously posted at the front door of the property, indicating ‘No Solicitation,’ ‘No Solicitors’ or other similar language expressing the unwillingness of occupants of the property to accept solicitors.”
This applies to everyone, including licensed door-to-door salespeople, youth sports teams and Scouts.
To report unwanted solicitors, call the Kansas City Police Department’s non-emergency number, 816-234-5111, according to KCPD in a 2017 Nextdoor post. The solicitor could be charged with an ordinance violation. The ordinance does not list a specific fine amount or other penalty.
Have more questions about Kansas City or Missouri laws? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published August 13, 2024 at 1:53 PM.
