Manner of panhandling.
Memphis Code of Ordinances § 6-56-6
in effectSec. 6-56-6. - Manner of panhandling.
Any person who in a public place panhandles in any of the following ways or manner is guilty of a misdemeanor:
1. By coming within three feet of the person solicited, unless that person has indicated that he/she does wish to make a donation;
2. By touching the person being solicited without that person's consent;
3. By using profane or abusive language, either during the solicitation or following a refusal;
4. By following or walking alongside a person who walks away from the panhandler and a reasonable person would regard this as offensive or provocative;
5. By blocking the path of a person who attempts to walk or drive away from the panhandler;
6. By panhandling in a group of two or more persons;
7. By any statement, gesture, or other communication which a reasonable person in the situation of the person solicited would perceive to be a threat;
8. By intimidating, obstructing pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
9. By assaulting or aggressively begging;
10. While under the influence of alcohol, illegal narcotic or a controlled substance.
(Code 1985, § 20-28(f); Ord. No. 4211, § 1, 12-14-1993; Ord. No. 4352, § 4, 8-15-1995; Ord. No. 5348, § 1(e), 4-13-2010)
Source: City of Memphis, Code of Ordinances and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT6BULIRE_CH6-56PA_S6-56-6MAPAFetched: 10/28/2026