St. Martin Parish, LA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Every use of the word loiter in the St. Martin Parish Code of Ordinances appears in Chapter 34, Sexually Oriented Businesses. There is no general street or public-place loitering ordinance in the code, so the duty described here falls on the operator of a sexually oriented business and not on the public at large.

Sec. 34-15(a) lists three duties. The operator must post conspicuous signs stating that no loitering is permitted on the premises. The operator must designate one or more employees to monitor the activities of persons on the property, either by visually inspecting the property at least once every 90 minutes or by inspecting it with video cameras and monitors. And the operator must provide lighting of the exterior premises sufficient for visual inspection or video monitoring to prohibit loitering. Under Sec. 34-15(b), if cameras and monitors are used, they operate continuously at all times that the premises are open for business, and the monitors are installed within a manager's station. Sec. 34-15(c) makes it unlawful for a person having a duty under the section to knowingly fail to fulfill it.

Two other sections carry loitering language. Sec. 34-14(a)(12) requires an operator that runs viewing rooms of less than 150 square feet to post conspicuous signs in well-lighted entry areas stating that no loitering is permitted in viewing rooms. Sec. 34-17(a)(3) bars a licensee and its employees from intentionally enticing, aiding or permitting any person under the age of 18 to visit or loiter in or about a sexually oriented business. Under Sec. 34-7, officers or agents of the parish can inspect the premises while the business is occupied by patrons or open for business, and the section limits that to reasonable inspections rather than a harassing or excessive pattern. Under Sec. 34-20, an employee's violation is imputed to the licensee only if a manager, officer, director or general partner knowingly allowed it or reasonably should have known it was occurring or likely to occur.