§ 15-7. Panhandling.
(a)
Definitions.
(1)
Aggressive manner.
(i)
Approaching, speaking to or following a person in a manner as would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily harm or the commission of a criminal act upon the person, or upon property in the person's immediate possession; or
(ii)
Touching another person without that person's consent in the course of asking for alms; or
(iii)
Continuing to ask, beg, or solicit alms from a person after the person has made a negative response; or
(iv)
Following the person solicited before, after or while asking, begging or soliciting alms; or
(v)
Intentionally blocking or interfering with the safe or free passage of a person or vehicle by any means, including unreasonably causing a person or driver of a vehicle to take evasive action to avoid physical contact; or
(vi)
Directing abusive or profane language toward the person solicited, either while asking, begging or soliciting alms, or following a refusal by the person solicited.
(2)
Ask, beg, or solicit alms includes the spoken, written, or printed word or such other act conducted for the purpose of obtaining an immediate donation of money or thing of value.
(3)
False or misleading manner includes, but is not limited to, the asking, begging, or soliciting of alms, including money and other things of value, through utilization of any of the following representations:
(i)
Stating or expressing that the donation is needed to meet a specific need, when no such need exists; or
(ii)
Stating the fact that the solicitor is from out of town and stranded, when that is not true; or
(iii)
Wearing or displaying an indication of physical disability or wearing a military uniform or other indication of military service, when the solicitor does not suffer the disability indicated; or
(iv)
Use of any makeup or device to simulate deformity; or
(v)
Stating that the solicitor is homeless when the solicitor is not.
(4)
Solicitor. Anyone who asks, begs, or solicits alms, including money and other things of value.
(Ord. of 6-12-18)