Seeking to protect citizens from unscrupulous people, predators and criminals, Akron City Council has passed the ordinance to also require the issuance of a photo identification card by the Akron Police Department and subjection to a background check by the city. The ordinance also requests that residents who desire to prohibit uninvited door-to-door peddlers should post a sign on or near the main entrance door to their residence.

Sponsor of the ordinance, Ward 7 Councilwoman Tina Merlitti said, "This ordinance allows residents to be informed about people coming to their door. It also gives each resident the opportunity to make a preference known regarding solicitors. In the past, they could post a sign, but there were no penalties for disregarding residents' wishes."

Peddling is defined as "calling on a residence without an invitation or previous consent of the owner or occupant" for the purpose of selling goods or services for profit. The new ordinance also restricts peddling in neighborhoods to the hours between 9 am. and sunset.

Registration will cost $35 and should take five business days to process, including the background check.