Legal Definitions - hawker

A hawker is an individual who travels from place to place, typically in public areas such as streets, sidewalks, or open markets, to sell goods. These sellers often attract customers by calling out, loudly advertising their products, or otherwise drawing attention to their merchandise. Hawkers are generally required to obtain a specific license from the authorities to conduct their business legally.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of a hawker:

• Imagine a vendor pushing a cart through a busy city park on a sunny afternoon, loudly proclaiming, "Ice cream! Get your cold treats here!" as they move among the picnickers and strollers. They stop periodically to serve customers before continuing their route.

  This vendor is a hawker because they are an itinerant salesperson (moving through the park), selling goods (ice cream) in a public space, and using their voice to attract potential buyers.

• Consider a person walking along the boardwalk at a popular beach resort, carrying a tray of sunglasses and hats. They call out to sunbathers and passersby, "Shades for the sun! Protect your eyes!" offering their items directly to individuals.

  This individual fits the definition of a hawker as they are a traveling seller (moving along the boardwalk), offering merchandise (sunglasses and hats) in a public area, and actively promoting their products vocally.

• During a large outdoor sporting event, a vendor might weave through the crowd in the stands, carrying a basket of roasted peanuts and shouting, "Peanuts! Freshly roasted peanuts!" to the spectators.

  This seller is a hawker because they are an itinerant salesperson (moving through the stands), selling food items (peanuts) in a public gathering place, and using their voice to advertise their offerings to a large audience.