Atlanta passes panhandling ordinance
The Atlanta City Council Monday approved the passage of a city ordinance that penalizes panhandling with a Class C misdemeanor in certain circumstances.
Stemming from an unidentified organization that aggressively solicited drivers last July at the intersection of highways 77 and 43 that sparked the public’s demand for intervention, the ordinance defines panhandling as any solicitation made in person requesting an immediate donation of money or thing of value. It also includes “the purchase of an item or service under circumstances where a reasonable person would understand that the purchase is in substance a donation.”
The ordinance states that any person who panhandles after sunset or before sunrise is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and prohibits solicitors from approaching any vehicle or pedestrian on a public street, roadway or highway location within the city limits. Additionally, panhandling is prohibited on any public-school campus and private property where the panhandler has been denied permission on the property.
“The ordinance regulates panhandling by determining time and place in order to provide for the safety of our citizens as well those soliciting contributions”, Mayor Travis Ransom said.
When asked if a permitting process is in place for organizations seeking donation, Ransom said no permitting is required of legitimate organizations.
“The ordinance provides our police officers the tools required to stop aggressive panhandling by scam artists passing through our area attempting to take advantage of good-natured folks in our community.”
“These individuals have been known to set up at busy intersections which puts themselves and motorists at risk. We have had multiple complaints from citizens who felt threatened or who reported inappropriate and aggressive panhandling by individuals repeatedly at busy intersections over multiple weekends”, Ransom said.
Ransom added, “Legitimate non-profit organizations are not aggressive or threatening. They are also local, not from some unspecified organization out of town.”
Several scenarios contained within the ordinance detail and prohibit the manner in which panhandlers approach their mark.
“Blocking the path of the person solicited along a sidewalk or street… Following a person who walks away from a panhandler… By using profane or abusive language, either during the solicitation or following refusal… By any statement, gesture or other communication which a reasonable person in the situation of the person solicited would perceive to be a threat”, the ordinance reads.
Also punishable by misdemeanor include misrepresentations of homelessness, statements that the solicitor is from out of town and stranded if not true and using makeup or device to simulate any deformity.
“This ordinance is a direct response to public input related to repeated aggressive panhandling at several intersections in town. Citizens should report any suspicious or threatening activity”, Ransom said, “I would en courage all citizens to report suspicious activity where they feel threatened or harassed.”
Ransom wants the public to know that there are several worthwhile organizations that need financial support through donations.
“We have a very giving community. If you want to give to a worthy cause, consider supporting any of the numerous churches or non-profits in the area. Don’t get scammed by highway panhandlers with a compelling fake story.”