Public Conduct in New Britain, CT (2026)
4 verified public conduct rules for New Britain, Connecticut, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Aggressive Panhandling
Article IX of the Code of Ordinances makes it unlawful to beg or solicit money in an 'aggressive manner' anywhere open to the public, including sidewalks, parking lots, ATMs and building entrances, under Sec. 16-149. Touching a person without consent, blocking their path or continuing to ask after a refusal all count as aggressive under Sec. 16-147. A violation costs $99.00 per offense under Sec. 16-151.
New Britain's Aggressive Panhandling Ban, Penalty
Significant RestrictionsNew Britain Code of Ordinances § 16-149
Sec. 16-146. - Purpose. Generally, the purpose of this article is to preserve the public order, to protect the citizens of the City of New Britain and to ensure the safe and uninterrupted passage of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, without unconstitutionally impinging upon protected speech, expression or conduct. ... ... Sec. 16-149. - Prohibited conduct. In addition to the conduct prescr...
Loitering Rules
New Britain's Sec. 16-61 bars loitering, remaining idle, loafing or "hanging around", in any public place in a way that risks a breach of peace, disturbs others, or blocks pedestrians or vehicles. A police officer may order a violator to leave, and refusing to go is itself a punishable offense under Sec. 1-15.
New Britain Loitering in Public Places
Some RestrictionsNew Britain Code of Ordinances § 16-61
(a)Definitions:Loitering shall mean remaining idle in essentially one location and shall include the concepts of spending time idly, loafing, or walking about aimlessly, and shall also include the colloquial expression "hanging around." ... (b)Certain types of loitering prohibited. No person shall loiter in a public place in such a manner as to:(1)Create or cause to be created a danger of a bre...
Outdoor Smoking Restrictions
New Britain prohibits using any tobacco or cannabis product at all times in playgrounds, sports fields, public parks and school grounds under § 17-103. A first citation is a warning only; later violations bring a fine of up to $50 under § 17-105. City police and the mayor's designees enforce the ban, and required signage marks each smoke-free zone under § 17-106.
New Britain Bans Tobacco and Cannabis in City Parks
Heavy RestrictionsNew Britain Code of Ordinances §§ 17-103, 17-105
It shall be prohibited at all times, for an individual to use tobacco or cannabis products in any form while in a playground, sports field, public park or school ground. The city may establish designated smoking areas within these smoke-free zones for tobacco use only. ... A citation issued for a first offense shall be a warning only. Persons receiving subsequent citations shall be deemed to ha...
Public Alcohol Use
New Britain bans drinking alcohol in any public area of the city outright. Sec. 4-2 defines "public area" broadly to include streets, roadways, sidewalks, parking areas and parking garages, with the only carve-outs being private property used with the owner's permission and the A.W. Stanley Golf Course when a state liquor permit is in effect there.
New Britain Public Alcohol Consumption Ban
Heavy RestrictionsNew Britain Code of Ordinances § 4-2
(a)No person shall consume alcohol or alcoholic beverages of any kind in any public area in the city.(b)For the purposes of this section, "public area" shall be construed to include, but not be limited to, streets, roadways, sidewalks, parking areas and parking garages, unless such area is private property and those consuming alcohol therein have permission of the owner thereof to so use his pr...