(A) Peaceful picketing may be conducted only on the sidewalks reserved for pedestrian movement and not in the portion of the streets reserved for vehicular use, and only for lawful purposes.
(B) Peaceful pickets for lawful purposes may carry printed placards on non-metallic or non-wood bases not more than two feet in length or width. However, the words used may not be defamatory, derogatory, inflammatory in nature, or of a nature as would tend to produce violence.
(C) Not more than ten pickets promoting the same objective shall be permitted on the sidewalk of any one block between two successive intersections.
(D) Pickets must march in single file and not abreast, and may not walk within 15 feet of each other except in passing. When pickets promoting different objectives desire to use the same block for picketing and the picketing would result in more than ten pickets in the space of one block, the Chief of Police shall allot time to each group of pickets for the use of the sidewalk on the block on an equitable basis.
(E) It shall be unlawful for pickets to interfere with the free progress of pedestrians and vehicular traffic, and persons engaged in picketing shall maintain forward movement at all times during picketing.
(F) Picketing done contrary to the provisions of this section shall be unlawful, and effective July 1, 2012, violations of § 98.10 shall subject the offending person, firm or corporation to civil penalties of not more than $50. Each day that any of the provisions of this § 98.10 are violated shall constitute a separate offense. Pursuant to G.S. § 160A-175, all criminal penalties for these violations as set out in G.S. § 14-4 are hereby removed. Civil penalties may be recovered by the town in a civil action in the nature of the debt.
(1985 Code, § 98.10) (Ord. 2013-02, passed 7-18-2012)