If, upon investigation reasonably made, the chief of police ascertains and determines that the applicant for a permit required by section 10-171 is a person of good moral character and proposes to engage in a lawful commercial or professional enterprise, he shall then issue the permit applied for, which shall expire not later than the thirty-first of May next following. Such permit shall be carried at all times by the applicant to whom issued when soliciting or canvassing in the town and shall be exhibited by any such applicant whenever requested by any police officer or any person solicited.
(Code 1977, § 24-4)