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Deceptive Advertising
HFA Board members have attempted to pass a law in Maryland blocking an order gatherer from misrepresenting themselves as being local florists. They do this by listing themselves in local phone books with a name such as "Salisbury Florist" with a local phone number. There is no real Salisbury Florist. This occurs in quite a few parts of the state. Although we have not yet been able to get a law passed, we have made Maryland State legislators aware of the problem and will continue to attempt to get a law passed.
Although the legislators were sympathetic and understood why we were attempting to get a law passed, they did not agree to pass the law because there have not been enough complaints by the consumers to make them feel there was enough reason for the law. Unfortunately, consumers don't realize that they aren't calling a local florist. The board, with advice from a few of the legislators, has decided to approach the problem with loss of revenue (state sales tax) for the state. This approach will be taken in the upcoming session.
HFA recommends that all Maryland members as well as all Maryland retail florists contact their local legislators to complain and ask them to consider assisting in getting a law passed. A similar law has been passed in numerous other states and if we persist, it is felt that we can eventually get a law passed. However, it takes more than just a few of us to make it happen.
We strongly recommend that all Maryland retail florists jump on the bandwagon and help us make this happen!
Did You Know?
Did you know that in Anne Arundel County, MD it is ILLEGAL to sell flowers on County or State roads? They can only be sold on private property, with written permission to be there, a Huxter's license, and a permit displayed.
When you see someone walking down the highway strip or weaving between cars at a stoplight trying to sell you a bouquet...CALL 911. The County police have asked us to help them police these matters. The only way they know there is a problem is if we call.
Let's get rid of this nuisance!
For more information, call Wes Flowers, Don Flowers Florist 410-922-5820
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