Greenville, NC Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

Section 12-1-12 of the Greenville City Code targets four kinds of conduct it defines as 'aggressive manner': approaching, speaking to or following someone in a way that would make a reasonable person fear bodily harm or a crime against their person or property; touching another person without consent while asking for alms; continuing to beg after the person has already refused; and intentionally blocking or interfering with someone's safe passage, including forcing them to take evasive action. The ban covers begging in this aggressive manner in any place open to the public, including sidewalks, streets, alleys, driveways, plazas, parking lots, parks, buildings and building entrances, plus public transportation vehicles and bus stops.

It is also unlawful to solicit alms from the operator or occupant of a vehicle that is in traffic, or in exchange for directing someone to a parking space, or in exchange for cleaning, watching, washing, repairing or painting a vehicle that is parked or in traffic. Soliciting on private or residential property requires the owner's or occupant's permission first. The section carves out an exception for constitutionally protected picketing, protesting or speech, and for activity covered by a city-issued permit. The Greenville Police Department enforces the ban. S. S. 160A-175 punishable by $100 to $500. The City Attorney is separately authorized to seek injunctive relief against repeat violators.