Place of panhandling.
Memphis Code of Ordinances § 6-56-5
in effectSec. 6-56-5. - Place of panhandling.
Outside the boundaries of the panhandling prohibited zone, any person who panhandles when the person solicited is in any of the following places is guilty of a misdemeanor:
1. Within 50 feet of:
a. Any entranceway into or exit from any health care institution or health facility;
b. Any entranceway into or exit from any bank, savings and loan association, credit union, check cashing business or other financial institution buildings;
c. An automatic teller machine (ATM), provided that when an automated teller machine is located within an automated teller machine facility; such distance shall be measured from the entrance or exit of the automated teller machine facility;
2. Within 25 feet of:
a. The entrance to a religious assembly;
b. Any parking lot pay box;
c. Any pay telephone, provided that when a pay telephone is located within a telephone booth or other facility, such distance shall be measured from the entrance or exit of the telephone booth or facility;
d. Any bus stop, trolley stop or taxi stand;
e. Any entranceway into or exit from any building open to the public. Where any such entranceway or exit is recessed from the public sidewalk, the 25 feet shall be measured from the point at which the building abuts the sidewalk;
f. Any marked crosswalk;
g. Any outdoor dining area or outdoor merchandise area, if such areas are in active use at the time;
h. A self-service fuel pump;
i. A self-service car wash;
j. A line of people waiting to gain admission to a place or vehicle or waiting to purchase an item or admission ticket;
3. At or within 20 feet of any vendor location;
4. While seated on or leaning against any public bench, planter, monument or other public property;
5. While seated on or leaning against any privately owned property without the property owner's or tenant's permission;
6. While conducting a solicitation to any person placing or preparing to place money in a parking meter;
7. In any vehicle on the street;
8. In any public transportation vehicle;
9. On private property, unless the panhandler has permission from the owner or occupant.
(Code 1985, § 20-28(e); Ord. No. 4211, § 1, 12-14-1993; Ord. No. 4352, § 4, 8-15-1995; Ord. No. 5348, § 1(d), 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_S6-56-5PLPAFetched: 10/28/2026