(A) Generally. It shall be unlawful for any person to loiter, loaf, wander, stand or remain idle either alone, and/or in consort with others in a public place in such a matter to:
(1) Obstruct any public street, public highway, public sidewalk or any other public place or building by hindering or impeding or tending to hinder or impede the free and uninterrupted passage of vehicle traffic or pedestrian; or
(2) Commit in or upon any public street, public highway, public sidewalk or any other public place or building any act or thing which is an obstruction or interference to the free or uninterrupted use of property or with any business lawfully conducted by anyone in such public street, public highway, public sidewalk or any other public place or building, all of which prevents the free and uninterrupted ingress, egress and regress, therein, thereon and thereto.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
LOITERING. Remaining idle in essentially one location and shall include the concept of spending time idly; to be dilatory; to linger; to stay; to delay; to stand around and shall also include the colloquial expression “hanging around”.
PUBLIC PLACE. Any place to which the general public has access and a right to report for business, entertainment or other lawful purpose, but does not necessarily mean a place devoted solely to the uses of the public. It shall also include the front or immediate area of any store, shop, restaurant, tavern or other place of business and also public grounds, areas of parks.
(C) Police order to disperse. When any person causes or commits any of the conditions enumerated in this section, a police officer or any law enforcement officer shall order that person to stop committing such conditions and to move on or disperse. Any person who fails or refuses to obey such orders shall be guilty of a violation of this section.
(Ord. passed 10-1-2017) Penalty, see § 131.99