a. Definitions. For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AGGRESSIVELY BEG. To beg with intent to intimidate another person into giving money or goods.
BEG. To ask for money or goods as a charity, whether by words, bodily gestures, signs or other means.
OBSTRUCT PEDESTRIAN OR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC. To walk, stand, sit, lie or place an object in such a manner as to block passage by another person or vehicle, or to require another person or a driver of a vehicle to take evasive action to avoid physical contact. Acts authorized as an exercise of one’s constitutional right to picket or to legally protest and acts authorized by a permit issued pursuant to this article pertaining to parades and processions shall not constitute obstruction of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
PUBLIC PLACE. An area generally visible to public view and includes alleys, bridges, buildings, driveways, parking lots, parks, plazas, sidewalks and streets open to the general public, including those that serve food or drink or provide entertainment, and the doorways and entrances to buildings or dwellings and the grounds enclosing them.
b. Begging and the like prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person within the town in any public place to aggressively beg or obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
(Prior Code, § 14.621)
Editor’s note:
S.C. Code § 5-27-910 permits volunteer firefighters, charitable and eleemosynary organizations in this state to solicit funds from motorists on streets within the municipality with a permit.