The proposed rules for townships in Summit County is patterned after Fairlawn’s law. One exception is there is no requirement to obtain a permit.
A panhandler would be required to maintain a distance of 25 feet from the person being solicited at any of the following locations:
■ intersecting streets and crosswalks
■ street or driveway entrance or exit from shopping plazas, shopping districts, commercial or business establishments, churches, libraries or schools
■ bus stop
■ automatic teller machines or bank
■ sidewalk cafe or outdoor cafe or restaurant
■ driveway entrances or exits from an automobile service station
Aggressive panhandling would also be illegal, which is defined as touching the person being panhandled without the person’s consent, blocking the path of a person being panhandled, following behind the person, alongside them or ahead of them, making a statement, gesture or other intimidating action and panhandling in a group of two or more people.
Any panhandler violating these rules would be subject to fines.
If a summons is issued for a panhandler violating the 25 feet rule for solicitation it is a minor misdemeanor and carries a $100 fine. If aggressive panhandling is used the offense is upgraded to a misdemeanor of the fourth degree with a fine of not more than $250 or 30 days in jail or both for each offense.