New Britain, CT Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Fine per offense
- $99.00 under Sec. 16-151
- Transit buffer
- 25 feet from a bus stop or transit entrance
- Adopted
- Res. No. 33431-2, May 3, 2016
- Covers
- Sidewalks, parking lots, ATMs, building entrances
- Aggressive acts
- Touching, following, blocking passage, abusive language
- Enforcing agency
- New Britain Police Department
- Speech protected
- Sec. 16-150 exempts constitutionally protected expression
Summary
Article IX of the Code of Ordinances makes it unlawful to beg or solicit money in an 'aggressive manner' anywhere open to the public, including sidewalks, parking lots, ATMs and building entrances, under Sec. 16-149. Touching a person without consent, blocking their path or continuing to ask after a refusal all count as aggressive under Sec. 16-147. A violation costs $99.00 per offense under Sec. 16-151.
Sec. 16-146. - Purpose. Generally, the purpose of this article is to preserve the public order, to protect the citizens of the City of New Britain and to ensure the safe and uninterrupted passage of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, without unconstitutionally impinging upon protected speech, expression or conduct. ... ... Sec. 16-149. - Prohibited conduct. In addition to the conduct prescribed in section 16-148:(1)No person may ask, beg or solicit alms, including money and other things of value, in an aggressive manner in any place open to the general public, including, but not limited to, sidewalks, streets, alleys, driveways, parking lots, parks, plazas, buildings, doorways and entrances to buildings, and gasoline service stations, automated teller machines (ATM) and the grounds enclosing buildings. ... ... Sec. 16-151. - Penalties for violations. Upon a finding that a person is in violation of any provision of this article, a fine of ninety-nine dollars ($99.00) per offense shall be imposed.
Full Breakdown
Adopted by the common council in 2016 under Res. No. 33431-2, Article IX of Chapter 16 responds to what Sec. 16-146 calls the need to preserve public order and keep pedestrian and vehicular traffic moving 'without unconstitutionally impinging upon protected speech.' Sec. 16-147 defines soliciting 'in an aggressive manner' to include approaching, speaking to or following someone in a way that would make a reasonable person fear bodily harm; touching a person without consent while asking for alms; continuing to ask after a negative response; following the person solicited; blocking or interfering with safe passage; or directing abusive or profane language at them.
Sec. 16-148 separately makes several of those same acts, reckless approaches, unconsented touching, reckless blocking of passage, and abusive language, unlawful in their own right, not just as panhandling. Sec. 16-149 then lists specific prohibited conduct: aggressive solicitation anywhere open to the public, including sidewalks, parking lots, plazas, building entrances, gas stations and ATMs; solicitation in a 'false or misleading manner,' such as falsely claiming to be stranded or disabled; soliciting within any public transit vehicle or within 25 feet of a bus stop or transit entrance; soliciting on private property after the owner objects or posts a no-solicitation sign; and soliciting the occupant of a vehicle in traffic. Sec. 16-150 preserves protected speech and expression. Sec. 16-151 fines any violation $99.00 per offense, enforced by New Britain police.
Violations & Fines
Aggressively soliciting money on a sidewalk, parking lot or near an ATM, soliciting within 25 feet of a bus stop or transit entrance, soliciting a driver in traffic, or continuing to solicit after a property owner's posted objection all violate Article IX. Sec. 16-151 fines each offense $99.00; New Britain police enforce Sec. 16-146 through 16-150 citywide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as 'aggressive' panhandling in New Britain?
Is passively holding a sign asking for donations illegal?
What is the penalty for violating the panhandling ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Britain
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