§ 28-51. Panhandling control.

(a)

Generally. The purpose of this section is to curtail inappropriate behavior by individuals engaged in panhandling or begging, thereby maintaining and protecting the physical safety and well-being of the public and otherwise fostering a safe and harassment-free climate in public places within the City of Danbury.

(b)

Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended.

Aggressive panhandling means to beg in a manner:

(1)

Intended to threaten, intimidate or coerce another person into giving money or goods.

(2)

Which a reasonably prudent individual would perceive as threatening, intimidating or coercive.

(3)

Intended to obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

(4)

Which could deter a reasonably prudent individual from passing through or remaining in or near any thoroughfare, or public place because of fear, concern or apprehension caused by such behavior.

Obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic means to walk, stand, sit, lie or place an object in such a manner as to block passage by another person or a vehicle, or to require another person or a driver of a vehicle to take evasive action to avoid physical contact.

Panhandling and begging means asking for money or goods as a charity or gift, whether by words, bodily gesture, signs or other means.

Public place means an area open to the general public, including sidewalks, streets, alleys, driveways, parking lots, parks, plazas, buildings and doorways and entrances to buildings.

Public transportation vehicle means any bus or train available for use by the general public.

(c)

Prohibited acts. The following conduct shall be deemed to violate the provisions of this section:

(1)

No person may engage in aggressive panhandling in any public place within the City of Danbury. To constitute a violation of this subdivision, the violator's conduct must be such as to demonstrate a specific intent to beg in a threatening, intimidating or coercive manner.

(2)

No person may engage in panhandling or begging in any public transportation vehicle or within twenty-five (25) feet of any bus or train station or stop.

(3)

No person may engage in panhandling or begging within twenty-five (25) feet of any automatic teller machine.

(4)

No person may engage in panhandling or begging from the operator or any occupant of a motor vehicle that is in traffic on a public street or in such a manner as to obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

(d)

Interpretation. No provision of this section shall be interpreted or construed to prohibit speech, expression or conduct protected by the laws of the United States or of the State of Connecticut.

(e)

Penalty for violation. Any person violating this section shall be fined not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

(Code 1961, § 12-12; Ord. No. 543, 5-2-2000; Ord. No. 552, 12-5-2000)