15A NCAC 22B .0607. SOLICITING DONATIONS: DISTRIBUTING LITERATURE: GIFTS

(a)  This Rule shall apply to all persons distributing literature or other objects, soliciting or requesting donations of funds, proselytizing or otherwise engaging in any other activity for the purpose of promoting, advertising or otherwise furthering any religious or other charitable cause, belief or project.

(b)  The activities described in Paragraph (a) shall be permitted during the time that the Zoo is open to the public, generally from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. every day of the week, subject to the other limitations set forth in this Rule.

(c)  The activities described in Paragraph (a) shall be restricted to the hatch‑marked area illustrated on the attached map, which is incorporated as part of this Rule, and further described as follows:

"Beginning five yards north of the entry bridge on the south, encompassing three major grassed area and walkways north to a point on line with the upper entrance walkway but not to include the amphitheatre on the west or the restrooms, picnic pavilion, and picnic area on the east."

(d)  Solicitation of funds or distribution of literature or any other objects to minor persons under 16 years of age is prohibited unless the minor person is accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older.

(e)  Persons distributing written materials shall keep the authorized area clear of such materials when discarded.

(f)  Any person wishing to engage in activities subject to this Rule shall notify the Zoo security office 24 hours in advance of arrival, and sign in each day at the Zoo security office before beginning such activities and shall sign out at the conclusion of each day's activities.

(g)  Representatives of no more than five organizations will be allowed to engage in such activities at the same time at the Zoological Park.  Reservations for authorized organizations to conduct activities subject to this Rule will be taken on a "first called ‑‑ first reserved" basis.  No reservations will be taken more than 30 days in advance of the requested dates.

(h)  No more than two persons representing a single organization shall be allowed to engage in activities subject to this Rule at the same time.

(i)  Persons engaged in activities subject to this Rule as representatives of an organization shall wear an identification badge on the upper left front torso in a position to be observed by any person being contacted.  The badge must contain, as a minimum, letters at least one‑half inch in height and in boldface type, the name or other description of the organization, without abbreviation.  In addition, the badge must contain additional descriptive information about the representative to insure that he/she is in fact representing the organization.  This information must include the representative's full name; picture; sex; hair/eye color; height; weight; and date of birth. The badge must bear an authorized signature of an officer of the organization.  The badge may not be covered or concealed at any time while the agent is engaged in the activities.

(j)  To avoid unnecessary confrontations with the Zoo patrons, agents will not initiate physical contact with any person, or place literature in the hands of any person without prior express permission of the person.

(k)  Gifts to the visiting public shall not include any item requiring agents to pin or attach the item to visitors' clothing or any ingestible items.

(l)  Zoo personnel are authorized to disperse crowds gathered to observe or listen to ceremonies, speeches, or other activities where the crowds impede traffic movement or essential functions of the Zoo.  In the event of significant disturbances, confrontation, or other incidents which threaten the tranquility of the park or its normal operation, the Zoo Director, or his authorized representative has the final authority to suspend activities and remove the person(s) responsible from the Zoo.  Authority to grant permission for activities to be resumed after disturbances rests with the director or his authorized representative.  Such permission shall be granted unless there is reason to believe that circumstances that caused the disturbance or incident still exist.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131C; 143B‑10(j);

Eff. November 1, 1984.