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We were recently going through, what we like to call, the take-out drawer of shame and realized we multiple copies of almost every menu we could possibly order from. Not to mention the fact that rubber bands and tiny plastic bags line our hall. Well, on January 9th the License and Consumer Protection Agency considered changes by Alderman Flores, 1st, and Alderman Rugai, 19th, which would crack down on the companies and those they hire for irresponsible distribution.
The crux of the ordinance is that those caught distributing fliers in any other way than hand-to-hand could receive a penalty of $200-$1000. The two most common ways of distribution, fliers on cars and door handles would most likely be the main culprit.
One of the issues other alderman see with the ordinance is the likelihood that the Department of Streets and Sanitation could handle the entire city. Another issue is the layering of the distribution. Who do crack down on, the restaurant owners or the advertising printers that the restaurants hire? We think that is a pretty easy question to answer, but in a lot of instances the offending company could easily hide behind the advertising company or the specific individual that puts them on the doors.
We are a little torn on the subject, but we almost feel the ordinance is necessary to reduce the litter problem it creates. However, everyone could do their part by not throwing the rubber bands and fliers on the ground in the first place. We have definitely used some of the fliers we've gotten, what do you think? Should they stay or should they go?
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"too" many.
I would think that there are First Amendment ramifications to this ordinance. Where does it stop? For example, would the courts decide that it applies to all distribution of "fliers" and not just take-out menus? Would that precedent extend to other municipalities? Given the propensity of local political groups and people to use technicalities against their opposition, this would not bode well.
It reminds me of how upset people get about junk mail or spam. So often, it seems, people spend more time and energy getting angry about junk mail and spam, when all you have to do is click 'delete' or throw the envelope in the recycling.
Considering that we have so many more pressing issues to deal with in this city, especially in the 1st and 19th wards, I can't believe the city council would waste it's time on something like this. What about Burt Natarus' dancing ban? Or foie gras?
I think such a ban would be a good thing. I constantly get the same 5 to ten places leaving menus in the fence or in my mailbox (which, by the way, is in violation of federal law - only mail goes in there), or just on the ground by my apartment.
The thing is, most of these places are really far from my apartment, and on at least one, I'm outside their delivery range.
I have menus from all the places nearby that I order from, and I generally prefer pickup to delivery anyway. The food is ready in 10 or 15 minutes vs 45 to an hour for delivery.
I agree with jerry!
Kevin: I don't think the first amendment allows assholes (parking ticket writers excepted) to shove stuff under my windshield wiper blade. I consider my car to be private property and the people who decorate my windshield don't ask my permission to trespass. They don't pay any of my car ownership expenses. The litter that this practice creates is disgusting. Don't tell me that the recipients of this trash should properly dispose of this crap, either. Why should we have to clean up after the companies that do this?
Despite the potential first amendment ramifications, I'll be glad to see less wasted paper, less litter, and not have to deband or rip the plastic bags off my fence anymore. But consider me torn...
i've always wondered how putting fliers on windshields was legal. i agree with curmudgeon, this is without a doubt a good ordinance
Kevin, they would still be able to pass out fliers by hand, they just can't leave them sticking out of your door. I still don't know if I'd support it or not, I've definitely ordered from a menu I've gotten, so it does work.
Now, back to foie gras and dancing bans.
What about the wanna-be politicians and politicians that do the crime?
See link below.
http://morsehellhole.blogspot.com/2007/01/ginderske-breaks-first-promise.html