Chapter 110

LOITERING

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Chestertown 3-19-1973 (Article 11, Section 11.11, of the 1973 Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Curfew -- See Ch. 64.

Streets and sidewalks -- See Ch. 145.

~ 110-1. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

LOITERING -- Remaining idle in essentially one (1) location and shall include the concept of spending time idly, to be dilatory, to linger, to stay, to saunter, to delay or to stand around and shall also include the colloquial expression "hanging around."

PUBLIC PLACE -- Any place to which the general public has access and a right to resort for business, entertainment or some other lawful purpose, but does not necessarily mean a place devoted solely to the uses of the public. It shall also include the front or immediate area of any store, shop, restaurant, tavern or other place of business and also public grounds, areas or parks.

~ 110-2. Obstructions hindering free passage or use of public places prohibited; police orders to disperse.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to loiter, loaf, wander, stand or remain idle alone and/or in consort with others in a public place in such manner so as to:

(1) Obstruct any public street, public highway, public sidewalk or any other public place or building by hindering or impeding or tending to hinder or impede the free and uninterrupted passage of vehicles, traffic or pedestrians.

(2) Commit in or upon any public street, public highway, public sidewalk or any other public place or building any act or thing which is an obstruction or interference to the free and uninterrupted use of property or with any business lawfully conducted by anyone in or upon or facing or fronting on any such public street, public highway, public sidewalk or any other public place or building, all of which prevent the free and uninterrupted ingress and regress therein, thereon and thereto.

B. When any person causes or commits any of the conditions enumerated in Subsection A herein, a police officer or any law enforcement officer shall order that person to stop causing or committing such conditions and to move on or disperse. Any person who fails or refuses to obey such orders shall be guilty of a violation of this chapter.

~ 110-3. Violations and penalties.

A. A violation of the terms of this chapter shall be considered a municipal infraction subject to a penalty as provided in ~ C11-4B of the Charter.

B. Any such violation shall constitute a separate offense on each successive day continued.