Q. We keep seeing the same people around Winston-Salem begging for money at several intersections. One in particular whom we have seen frequently at the same spot during the past few months caught our attention when we saw her drive up in a late-model car, park nearby, walk over to her spot at the red light, pull out her "homeless" sign and stand there smoking a cigarette while holding out her hand.
Are there any regulations against people doing this? --G.B.
A. North Carolina law gives cities and counties the right to regulate begging.
In Winston-Salem, city ordinances do not prohibit the collection of money at intersections, but the law -- which was revised in 2003 after two years of debate over the wording-- does restrict when, where and how one goes about it.
Panhandlers can't ask for money after dark.
One is not allowed to solicit within 100 feet of banks and ATMs, or at outdoor restaurants, at bus stops, and on buses, among other places.
It is unlawful to "ask, beg, or solicit alms or contributions … by accosting another."
Accosting includes continuing to request money after being told no, blocking a person's way or acting in a way that could be construed as trying to force a person to give money, or hassling people with words or gestures.
Delaying vehicles when they should be moving or trying to stop vehicles against the traffic signal is a violation.
Panhandlers who represent themselves as being homeless, stranded, a veteran or anything that they are not, are in violation of the law.
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