The purpose of this chapter is to establish a well-defined process
to allow persons to hold public gatherings or special events in the
Town of Hampstead while ensuring such gatherings or events are planned
and conducted in such a manner that protects public health and safety
and minimizes disruption to the greater community.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
PUBLIC GATHERING
Any parade, event, fair, carnival, circus, block party, march,
fun run, walkathon, athletic event, bicycle race or any other such
gathering of at least 25 people in which the activity takes place
on, in or through any public sidewalk, street or right-of-way or on
public property such as municipal parks.
The following public gatherings or special events do not require
a permit:
A. Wedding or funeral processions.
B. Family or community reunions.
E. School events held on school property.
F. Gatherings or events at municipal parks within the capacity of the
park.
G. Sidewalk picketing or marching solely limited to being conducted
on public sidewalks, when the picketing is conducted in such a manner
that allows pedestrian traffic an opportunity to pass by the picketing
unobstructed, and that allows pedestrian and/or motor vehicle traffic
an unobstructed opportunity for ingress and egress to property.
The following public gatherings or special events require a
permit:
A. Parades on public streets.
C. Walks, marches, runs, races, bicycle races or similar events using
public streets or ways.
D. Festivals, street fairs or flea markets.
E. Other gatherings where the Town Manager or Chief of Police determines
that such event may disrupt the normal movement of traffic or persons
on public streets or ways.
The applicants or sponsors of any public gathering shall indemnify
the Town of Hampstead for and hold it harmless from and defend it
against any and all claims, lawsuits or other liability arising from
or as a result of the activity, event or use.
The applicants or sponsors may be required to reimburse the
Town for any cost related to the use of Town employees and for any
other expenses incurred by the Town in preparing for and/or administering
the public gathering. The determination of any requirement to reimburse
the Town shall be made by the Town Council.
The Town reserves the right to require the applicant or sponsor
of a gathering where more than 100 people are expected to attend to
secure liability coverage for his or her organization, naming the
Town as an additional insured. To the extent reasonably practicable,
liability insurance coverage shall be in the minimum amounts of $500,000
per claimant and $1,000,000 per occurrence.
The refusal by the Town Manager to issue a public gathering
permit under this chapter may be appealed, in writing, to the Mayor
and Council of said Town within seven days after notice of such refusal
is mailed to the applicant. Such appeal shall be heard by the Mayor
and Council at any regular public session of the Council.
Any person, persons, organization, firm or corporation holding,
maintaining or operating any public gathering or entertainment, as
described in this chapter, without first securing said permit shall
be guilty of a municipal infraction subject to a fine not to exceed
$500.