Sec. 11-17. Loitering.

(a) In this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them:
Public place shall mean any place to which the general public has access and a right of resort for business, entertainment or 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.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to loiter, loaf, wander, stand or remain idle either alone or in consort with others in a public place with the intent 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) Obstruct the entrance to any business establishment, without so doing for some lawful purpose, if contrary to the expressed wish of the owner, lessee, managing agent or person in control or charge of the building or premises.
(3) When any person causes or commits any of the conditions in this section, 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 section.

(c) A violation of this ordinance is a misdemeanor as set forth in North Carolina General Statute Section 14-4.

(Ord. No. 2977, § 1d, 11-12-02)

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