[Adopted 4-8-2013 by Ord. No. 13-03]
Generally, the purpose of this article is to preserve the public
order, to protect the citizens of Stratford and to ensure the safe
and uninterrupted passage of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic,
without unconstitutionally impinging upon protected speech, expression
or conduct.
For purpose of this article, the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated:
Intentionally 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
Intentionally touching another person without that person's
consent in the course of asking for alms; or
Intentionally continuing to ask, beg, or solicit alms from a
person after the person has made a negative response; or
Intentionally following the person solicited before, after or
while asking, begging or soliciting alms; or
Intentionally or recklessly 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
Intentionally directing abusive or profane language toward the
person solicited, either while asking, begging or soliciting alms,
or following a refusal by the person solicited.
Includes the spoken, written, or printed word or such other
act conducted for the purpose of obtaining an immediate donation or
money or thing of value.
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:
Stating or expressing that the donation is needed to meet a
specific need, when the solicitor already has sufficient funds to
meet that need and does not disclose the fact; or
Stating the fact that the solicitor is from out of town and
stranded, when that is not true; or
Wearing or displaying an indication of physical disability,
when the solicitor does not suffer the disability indicated; or
Use of any makeup or device to simulate deformity.
Anyone who asks, begs, or solicits alms, including money
and other things of value.
A.
No person may ask, beg or solicit alms, including money and other
things of value, in an aggressive manner in any place open to the
general public, including, but not limited to, sidewalks, streets,
alleys, driveways, parking lots, parks, plazas, buildings, doorways
and entrances to buildings, near automatic teller machines and gasoline
service stations and the grounds enclosing buildings.
B.
No person may ask, beg, or solicit alms, including money and other
things of value, in a false or misleading manner.
C.
No person may ask, beg, or solicit alms in an aggressive manner in
any public transportation vehicle, or within 25 feet of any bus stop.
D.
No person may ask, beg, or solicit alms in an aggressive manner from
any operator or occupant of a motor vehicle that is in traffic on
a public street.
No provisions of this article shall be interpreted or construed
to prohibit speech, expression or conduct protected by the laws or
Constitution of the United States or the laws or Constitution of the
State of Connecticut.
Any person found to be in violation of any provision of this
article shall be fined $150 per offense.
