Milwaukee, WI Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Aggressive panhandling
- Banned citywide
- ATM/bank buffer
- 20 feet from entrance
- Also barred at
- Bus stops, transit, parked vehicles
- Maximum penalty
- $25 forfeiture
- Alternative to fine
- Community service work
Summary
Milwaukee bans aggressive panhandling anywhere in the city and separately prohibits ordinary panhandling at bus stops, transit vehicles, parked cars, sidewalk cafes, and within 20 feet of ATMs or bank entrances. Violators face up to a $25 forfeiture.
DEFINITIONS. a. "Aggressive
behavior" means engaging in any conduct with the
intention of intimidating another person into giving
away money or goods, including but not limited to,
intentionally approaching, speaking to or following
a person in a manner that would cause a
reasonable person to fear imminent physical injury
or the imminent commission of a criminal act upon
the person or upon the property in the person's
immediate possession; intentionally touching
another person without consent; or intentionally
blocking or interfering with the free passage of a
person.
b. "Panhandling" means begging,
soliciting, or asking for any item of value;
-611-
5/30/2018
Full Breakdown
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 106-1.1 defines "aggressive behavior" as intimidating conduct, approaching, speaking to, or following someone, touching them without consent, or blocking their passage, done in a way that would cause a reasonable person to fear imminent physical injury or a crime. Engaging in aggressive panhandling is unlawful at any location within the city. Ordinary panhandling (begging, soliciting, or asking for money, or selling goods/services at inflated prices) is separately barred at bus stops, inside public transportation vehicles or facilities, in vehicles parked or stopped on a public street or alley, at sidewalk cafes, and within 20 feet of an automatic teller machine or bank entrance.
Violations & Fines
Forfeiture of not more than $25 per violation under § 106-1.1(3); a violator may instead perform community service work in lieu of paying the forfeiture, per Wis. Stat. § 800.09.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is panhandling illegal in Milwaukee?
What makes panhandling "aggressive" under the ordinance?
What's the penalty for violating the ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee
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