Newark, OH Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

Section 648.14, passed by the Newark City Council in Ord. 07-6, targets conduct rather than the act of asking. It defines "Aggressively Beg" as begging with the intent to intimidate another person into giving money, goods, or other property of value, and "Beg" as asking for money, goods, or other property of value as a charity, whether by words, gestures, signs, or other means. "Intimidate" means conduct that would make a reasonable person fearful or feel compelled to act in a certain manner or to achieve a certain result.

Division (c) bans aggressive begging on the street, sidewalk, or other public place, whether publicly or privately owned, within the limits of the City of Newark, Ohio. Division (b) separately bans intentionally obstructing pedestrian or vehicular traffic, defined as walking, standing, sitting, lying, or placing an object so as to block passage or force evasive action; protest and expression of legitimate public import conducted in a reasonable, safe, and lawful manner is carved out.

Division (d) tells the trier of fact to weigh the time of day, whether the person acted alone or with others, relative physical size, any stated or implied threat, and all other factors. Division (e) lists prima facie proof of intent to intimidate: begging within 20 feet of a check cashing business entrance or exit, or within 20 feet of an automated teller machine or its facility entrance; approaching a vehicle occupant on a street and offering or performing an unrequested service and demanding payment, or offering goods or services for more than usual value; touching, following, or persisting after a clear refusal; and violent or threatening words, phrases, or gestures.

Two other provisions matter. Section 648.05 (Begging) is repealed. Section 416.06(b)(1) bars standing on a highway to solicit employment, business, or contributions from the occupant of any vehicle, though division (b)(2) lets Council authorize a permit for a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, valid for only one period of time in any calendar year.