DBP
Last year’s “aggressive panhandling” bill was vetoed by the Mayor, who thought it too broad and too vaguely defined. However, there was already a panhandling law on the books, dating back to the Mark Sidran era.
SMC 12A.12.015 Pedestrian interference.
A. [ . . . ]
B. A person is guilty of pedestrian interference if, in a public place, he or she intentionally:
1. Obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic; or
2. Aggressively begs.
C. Pedestrian interference is a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 117104 Section 1, 1994: Ord. 116897 Section 1, 1993: Ord. 113697 Section 1, 1987.)
Cases: Subsection B 1 was upheld as constitutional in a challenge based on breadth and vagueness and does not deny equal protection of the laws.
Seattle v. Webster, 115 Wn.2d 635, 802 P.2d 1333 (1990).
On the Web: http://tinyurl.com/make-my-day-panhandler
graysongirl, what happened with you appears to fall under the definition of “aggressively begs.” When you approach business owners at Jefferson Square, you might want to have a printed copy of this ordinance in hand, although I suspect the property management/security company already knows all about it.
–David