Beginning Dec. 21, peddlers, solicitors and transient merchants looking to make a few sales in Oxford Township will be subject to the two Rs – registration and regulation.

Last week, the township board voted 5-0 to adopt an ordinance amendment that would allow these types of salespeople to conduct their business as long as they apply for and receive permission from the municipality, pay a fee and abide by a set of rules.

The ordinance clearly defines the differences between a peddler, solicitor and transient merchant. Exempt from these definitions are garage sales, rummage sales, estate sales, multi-person bazaars, flea markets, auctions conducted by licensed individuals, court-ordered sales and “minor children selling lemonade or other products on residential property owned or rented by their parent(s).”

Under the ordinance, the three types of aforementioned salespeople would be “required to register” at the township office, located at 300 Dunlap Rd., using an application supplied by the municipality. They would also have to pay a $100 registration fee.

The township clerk would be responsible for approving or denying applications. If denied, the ordinance gives applicants the right to appeal the decision.

Certificates of registration would only be valid for one year. After that, in order to continue doing business, the peddler, solicitor or transient merchant would have to reregister with the township and pay another $100.

Those who fail to register would be subject to civil fines, ranging from $100 to $500. A fourth offense results in the violator being barred “from any future registration.”