The Elizabethtown City Council heard the second reading of an ordinance, which prohibits solicitation on crosswalks, streets, highways, intersections and roadways in Elizabethtown.
Passing the ordinance puts Elizabethtown in line with a handful of other Kentucky cities, including Winchester, Cynthiana and Georgetown, which already ban highway solicitation. The decision follows a recommendation made in July by Elizabethtown Police Department to eliminate permits for roadblocks used by charities to solicit contributions, including firefighters working on behalf of charities such as the Crusade for Children, which was a major concern for several residents and local officials.
Aside from firefighters raising money for Crusade for Children, other organizations and charities using highway solicitation include Hearts of Hope, American Legion, Friends of Hardin County Animal Shelter, Kentucky Patriots and March of Dimes. Representatives from the local organizers said that a majority of their funds come from the roadblocks, but they also understand the safety concerns.
The city issued 26 permits this year which is up from 18 permits last year. Permits already issued for this year will be honored, but no further permits will be allowed.
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