Kids’ door-to-door candy sales questioned

Monday, Aug. 7, 2000 | 11:12 a.m.

The Nevada Labor Commission is looking into whether rules should be changed that allow children under 16 to peddle candy door to door for private firms.

The practice has come under scrutiny because of reports involving children being put in unsafe situations and because the young workers may be giving potential candy buyers a false impression that they are working for charities to boost the chances of closing a sale, officials said.

"This is a safety and integrity issue, and I have asked staff to research whether it can be resolved," Nevada Labor Commissioner Terry Johnson said. "We are concerned that the employment of these minors is in line with the word and spirit of state child labor laws."

Johnson said he hopes to set a public hearing for later this month to address the issue.

Johnson said his concerns were heightened by a recent news videotape brought to him by a KVBC Channel 3 reporter, showing what appears to be a child standing in front of a bar selling candy. Johnson said he understands that the child may work for an area for-profit business.

The law in question does not apply to children who sell candy door to door for nonprofit groups such as churches or scouts. Nor does it apply to youths who go around neighborhoods offering to do jobs such as mow lawns, because they are considered independent contractors, Johnson said.

"Other agencies may decide whether to look at the issue of children selling candy on a larger scale, but my agency's concerns are just on issues regarding their employment," Johnson said.

In 1990 a 10-year-old boy was hit and killed by a car while walking home from a candy-selling job. Johnson said he has asked his staff to research whether regulation or law changes were considered in the wake of that incident.