Cherokee County, GA Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

The Board of Commissioners defines "solicit or panhandle" broadly to cover any request for an immediate donation, made in person, in writing, or by other communication, in a "public area" that includes sidewalks, parks, plazas, streets, and parking lots open to the public. Section 38-83 bars solicitation in any public transportation vehicle or stop, within 15 feet of a bank, check-cashing business, or ATM entrance during operating hours without the owner's consent, on private property after the owner has objected or posted a no-solicitation sign, and from drivers stopped in traffic.

"Aggressive panhandling" is separately defined and includes intentionally touching the person solicited or their vehicle without consent, following someone in a way likely to cause fear of imminent bodily harm, continuing to solicit within five feet of a person after a negative response, blocking safe passage so a pedestrian or driver must take evasive action, and using obscene or abusive language or gestures meant to intimidate. The ordinance expressly regulates only time, place, and manner and carves out constitutionally protected picketing or protest activity, as well as solicitations by permitted charitable organizations, which are instead governed by the separate charitable-solicitation permit process at § 38-84 requiring a Marshal's Office permit, safety and traffic plans, and orange safety vests.