Charleston regulates aggressive panhandling under Chapter 24, prohibiting threatening conduct, blocking pedestrians, and solicitation at ATMs, bus stops, and outdoor dining areas while protecting passive expressive begging.
Charleston restricts aggressive panhandling under the city offenses against public order chapter, prohibiting following, touching, blocking, or threatening pedestrians during solicitation. The ordinance also limits solicitation in narrow contexts such as ATMs, bus stops, near outdoor dining, and in parking decks. Passive begging on public sidewalks is generally protected speech and cannot be banned outright. Charleston Police Department warns first-time offenders and may cite or arrest for repeated or threatening conduct. Citations are heard in Charleston Municipal Court with fines and possible community service alternatives.
Threatening, touching, or following someone during solicitation, or panhandling at restricted locations such as ATMs, can lead to a citation, fines, and municipal court appearances.
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