The city has an interest in the maintenance of public safety, the protection of the right of the business owner to conduct business and in protecting ample opportunities for exercising Constitutionally-protected freedom of speech and expression that does not interfere with individual rights or with the well-being and safety of the community.
Subd. 1. Definitions. The following terms, as used in this section, shall have the meaning stated.
A. The term "picketing" means the act of exercising constitutionally protected freedom of speech and expression by one or more persons on a public street, pathway or on other public property.
B. The term "targeted commercial picketing" means picketing which may have the effect of causing disruption to business or distress to the owner or employees of a specific targeted commercial operation, pose a threat to public safety or where the conduct has as its object the harassment of the owner or employees.
Subd. 2. Unlawful Act. It is unlawful for any person to participate in or conduct targeted commercial picketing within the city. It is not unlawful for otherwise permissible picketing to occur on public streets and pathways that run through a commercial area.
Subd. 3. Permit Required. Picketing which spans a time period of more than 90 minutes or includes more than 30 persons is unlawful, except where an application has been filed with the Chief of Police at least 24 hours in advance of the picketing. The application shall identify the applicant, provide for a specific time, date, location and route of proposed picketing and provide reasonable proof that trained law enforcement or security officers, emergency medical personnel and sanitation facilities will be provided. No fee shall be required for the application.