Pedlars Act 1871

Duties of Pedlars

17 Pedlar to show certificate to certain persons on demand.

Any pedlar shall at all times, on demand, produce and show his certificate to any of the following persons; (that is to say,)

1.

Any justice of the peace; or,

2.

Any constable or officer of police; or

3.

Any person to whom such pedlar offers his goods for sale; or

4.

Any person in whose private grounds or premises such pedlar is found:

And any pedlar who refuses, on demand, to show his certificate to, and allow it to be read and a copy thereof to be taken by, any of the persons hereby authorised to demand it, shall for each offence be liable to a penalty not exceeding five shillings.

18 Arrest of uncertificated pedlar or pedlar refusing to show his certificate.

Where a person acting as a pedlar either refuses to show his certificate or has no certificate, or refuses to allow or prevents, or attempts to prevent any such opening or inspection of his pack box, bag, trunk, or case as is authorised under this Act, it shall be lawful for any of the persons authorised to demand the production of the certificate, and also for any other person acting by his order or at his request and in his aid, to apprehend such offender, and forthwith to convey or cause him to be conveyed before a justice of the peace. In Scotland such justice of the peace may commit such offender for trial if he think fit.

19 Police empowered to inspect pedlar's pack.

It shall be lawful for any constable or officer of police at any time to open and inspect any pack, box, bag, trunk, or case in which a pedlar carries his goods, wares, and merchandise ; and any pedlar who refuses to allow such constable or officer to open or inspect such pack, box, bag, trunk, or case, or prevents or attempts to prevent him from opening or inspecting the same, shall be liable for each offence to a penalty not exceeding twenty shillings.