ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With the Packers days away from kicking off their 100th regular season, Ashwaubenon has taken the first step in banning game day solicitors.
Tony Wachewicz, Ashwaubenon’s Village Attorney, tells FOX 11 who the ordinance targets.
“It would really be more kind of businesses going out around talking about whatever services they may provide.”
A village committee agreed Tuesday to change its ordinance to ban solicitors and market managers on Lambeau event and game days. The change still needs full village board approval.
Tom Wall, the owner of Tundra Town Clothing Company, is one of several street vendors that showed up to the meeting.
He tells FOX 11 say misinformation originally led him to believe the ordinance change would shut him down.
“I was afraid we were going to lose our business in one vote.”.
The village clarified that anyone with a direct sales permit, for a fixed location, will be allowed to continue selling.
“It’s fun offering stuff that is unique, that is kind of by the fans for the fans, so we’ve got a great offering and a great following,” said Wall.
The effort to limit solicitors is partly to free up public safety officers.
A few months ago, with the same goal in mind, the village passed an ordinance to fine people who’ve had too much to drink, requiring officer response, but not to the degree they should be taken to jail.
Wachewicz says resources are limited on Packers game days, so it’s really a matter of prioritization.
“I don’t see a lot of solicitors and if it is, it’s people, it’s kids pulling a wagon with some candy bars, cookies, or whatever it is,” said Wall.
“That’s the most we see. It’s really a pretty well regulated, well-controlled environment down on game days.”
While village officials say the ordinance change will be enforced, they do not intend to start ticketing Girl Scouts or other children who are fundraising.
