City has no love for illegal peddlers

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - On Valentine's Day, street peddlers with quick deals on roses and other trinkets are a common sight in most cities.

Some of those roadside stands are operating illegally. The City of Norfolk is aware of it and they are cracking down on people peddling without a license and their efforts appear to be working.

Representing the Commissioner of Revenue's Office, Herb Barbour is on the case. He invited 10 On Your side along as he checked to make sure business owners had all required licenses. He came across a young man selling flowers outside one shop. Barbour called the store owner to explain the law. "Because he's selling outside your shop, you'll need to have a peddler's license for him to set up here," said Barbour.

A peddler's license in Norfolk costs $500 . Officials say the lost revenue to the city is not the only reason they are out on the streets putting a stop to those who are not in compliance with the law. "It's not fair to the other business owners out here who took the time and have their money to purchase their license," said Barbour.

Violators are given a warning and an option to purchase the peddler's license immediately.

"If they don't have the money to pay us, they have to shut down.  We come back and if we see that it's still here they will issue them a summons for operating without a Norfolk Business License," explained Barbour.

Violators usually end up paying court costs and the price of a license, maybe even a fine.