Memphis, TN Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Manner ban
- Misdemeanor under § 6-56-6
- Time ban
- 7:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m. citywide (§ 6-56-4)
- Group panhandling
- Two or more persons prohibited
- Contact distance
- Within 3 feet unlawful
- Penalty
- Up to $50 fine + $200 automatic penalty
- Enforcement
- Memphis Police Services
Summary
Memphis bans panhandling in aggressive manners under City Code § 6-56-6: coming within three feet, touching without consent, using profane language, following after a refusal, blocking a path, panhandling in a group of two or more, or panhandling while intoxicated. Violation is a citywide misdemeanor enforced by Memphis Police Services.
Sec. 6-56-6. - Manner of panhandling. Any person who in a public place panhandles in any of the following ways or manner is guilty of a misdemeanor: 1.By coming within three feet of the person solicited, unless that person has indicated that he/she does wish to make a donation;2.By touching the person being solicited without that person's consent;3.By using profane or abusive language, either during the solicitation or following a refusal;4.By following or walking alongside a person who walks away from the panhandler and a reasonable person would regard this as offensive or provocative;5.By blocking the path of a person who attempts to walk or drive away from the panhandler;6.By panhandling in a group of two or more persons;7.By any statement, gesture, or other communication which a reasonable person in the situation of the person solicited would perceive to be a threat;8.By intimidating, obstructing pedestrian or vehicular traffic;9.By assaulting or aggressively begging;10.While under the influence of alcohol, illegal narcotic or a controlled substance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32 | Charter: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Memphis Code Chapter 6-56 defines and punishes aggressive panhandling as a distinct violation from ordinary solicitation. Section 6-56-6 makes it a misdemeanor to panhandle in a public place by coming within three feet of the person solicited without an indicated willingness to donate, touching the person without consent, using profane or abusive language during the solicitation or after a refusal, following or walking alongside someone who has walked away in a way a reasonable person would find offensive, blocking a person's path, panhandling in a group of two or more, making a threatening statement or gesture, intimidating or obstructing pedestrian or vehicular traffic, assaulting or aggressively begging, or panhandling while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
, and Section 6-56-5 bars solicitation outside the downtown Panhandling Prohibited Zone within set buffers, 50 feet of health-facility and bank/ATM entrances, and 25 feet of religious-assembly entrances, parking pay boxes, pay phones, bus/trolley/taxi stops, building entrances, marked crosswalks, active outdoor dining or merchandise areas, fuel pumps, car washes and lines of waiting customers. §§ 39-13-101 through 39-13-103, distinguishing criminal assault from the misdemeanor manner of panhandling in Section 6-56-6. The chapter exempts passive solicitation, a person who silently stands or sits with a sign without addressing anyone, from the definition of "panhandling" altogether under Section 6-56-1.
Violations & Fines
Violating any manner, time or place restriction in Chapter 6-56, including Section 6-56-6's aggressive-panhandling rules, is a misdemeanor under Section 6-56-9, punishable under the citywide general penalty, Section 1-24-1: a fine set at the city judge's discretion up to $50.00 per violation, plus an automatic penalty of up to $200.00 for the code section violated. Each day of a continuing violation is charged as a separate offense. Memphis Police Services enforces the chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Memphis
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