Beverly Hills Municipal Code Art. 14 Aggressive Solicitation

This article shall be known and may be cited as the AGGRESSIVE SOLICITATION ORDINANCE of the city. (Ord. 00-O-2355, eff. 11-3-2000)

For the purposes of this article, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE: An electronic device that accepts or dispenses currency in connection with a checking, savings, credit or other monetary account.

PUBLIC PLACE: A public sidewalk, street, alley, park, parking lot, parking structure or building.

SOLICIT: To ask for money or something of value by spoken word, bodily gesture or sign as a donation or as consideration for a service or sale of merchandise. (Ord. 00-O-2355, eff. 11-3-2000)

No person shall solicit in any public place in any of the following manners:

A. By using verbal or physical conduct that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety;

B. By intentionally causing physical contact with the person solicited;

C. By intentionally blocking the path of the person solicited;

D. By following a person who walks away after refusing the solicitation;

E. By approaching a person occupying a motor vehicle other than a commercial vehicle or emergency vehicle offering services to the public;

F. By approaching a person standing in a line, seated in an outdoor dining area, or similarly stationary for a specific purpose, so that, to a reasonable person, it is apparent that the purpose would be frustrated by relocation to avoid the solicitation. (Ord. 00-O-2355, eff. 11-3-2000)

No person shall solicit in any of the following places:

A. Within fifteen feet (15') of any automated teller machine or parking pay station;

B. Within fifteen feet (15') of any designated bus stop, taxi stand or similar location;

C. In any public bus or similar public transportation vehicle;

D. At the pedestrian entrance/exit or elevator lobby of a city owned parking structure. For purposes of this provision, "city owned parking structure" shall have the meaning set forth in subsection 5-6-1308B of this chapter;

E. Within fifteen feet (15') of an open air dining area. (Ord. 07-O-2538, eff. 12-21-2007)

This article does not prohibit solicitations made by persons affiliated with the recipient of an encroachment permit in a public place for which such encroachment permit has been issued. (Ord. 00-O-2355, eff. 11-3-2000)

The provisions of this article regulating aggressive solicitation are not intended to be exclusive and compliance therewith shall not excuse noncompliance with any other applicable laws including the charitable solicitation regulations of title 4, chapter 3, article 8 of this code. (Ord. 00-O-2355, eff. 11-3-2000)