WEBB — Those who overstay their welcome may face a fine of up to $500 and/or a sentence of up to 90 days in jail under the terms of a new loitering ordinance adopted this month by the Webb Board of Aldermen.
The decree, adopted by unanimous vote after a motion by Ward 5 Alderwoman Denise Calhoun and a second by Ward 1 Alderwoman Marilyn Gibbs, makes it unlawful for a person to:
• remain on a public street, sidewalk or pathway, including one privately owned but generally used by the public — whether the offender is a pedestrian or sitting in or on a motor vehicle — if a law enforcement officer has told the person to move on
• refuse to leave a private business or commercial establishment that is open for business, or a parking lot of same, after they have been asked to do so by the owner, the owner’s agent or a law enforcement officer
• refuse to leave a public building, public grounds, public recreational area or parking lot after being verbally asked to do so by a law enforcement officer or a guard, watchman or other authorized employee, “under circumstances that indicate that the person has no apparent lawful business or purpose to pursue in that place.”
Under the ordinance, loitering is a misdemeanor crime punishable by a fine of $25 to $500, and/or 90 days in jail.
