Guidelines for Use of the Speakers Platform
With regard to First Amendment activity during the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, the
City of Charlotte has two goals: (1) to respect and protect the First Amendment rights of our citizens and
visitors; and (2) to preserve the peace, provide public safety, and ensure an enjoyable convention
experience for all.
The City has established a Speakers Platform, a location where a City-provided microphone and
amplification equipment will be available to individuals and groups wishing to express their opinions.
The Speakers Platform will be available for use September 4 - 6, 2012 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Time slots will begin on each hour and half-hour.
The Speakers Platform is located at the corner of E. Stonewall Street and S. Caldwell Street. A map of the
Speakers Platform location is attached. There is no public parking available at the site of the Speakers
Platform. Permit holders are advised to ride public transportation. The closest public transportation
station is the LYNX light rail Stonewall Street station within two blocks from the Speakers Platform.
Guidelines for Permit Holders
1. Permits are non-transferable
2. Permit Holders must be present during assigned time slot
3. Permit Holders must show proof of permit and photo ID at time of check-in
4. Permit Holders must check-in no later than 10 minutes prior to assigned time
5. Speakers Platform participants must be fully assembled by assigned time slot
6. The City Permit Official will begin the 30 minute countdown
7. At conclusion of 30 minutes, Speakers Platform participants must immediately exit Speakers
Platform location
Banners and Signage
Participants may carry banners and signs. However, a staff or pole on which a sign, flag, or banner may
be carried shall be made of corrugated material, plastic, or wood, and shall not exceed 40 inches in
length and shall not be made of metal or metal alloy. If made of wood, the staff or pole shall be no
greater than three-fourths inch in diameter at any point. A staff or pole must be blunt at both ends.
Amplified Sound:
The City will provide a microphone and amplification equipment.
Extraordinary Event Guidelines
The Speakers Platform is located within the boundaries of the Extraordinary Event area established
pursuant to City Code Sec. 15-311. As such, the following regulations shall apply:
a) During the period of time and within the boundaries of an extraordinary event, it shall be unlawful
for any person, other than governmental employees in the performance of their duties to push, pull
or transport any, vehicle, cart, or float, unless a permit specifically authorizes the use of that item(s).
b) During the period of time and within the boundaries of an extraordinary event, it shall be unlawful
for any person, other than governmental employees in the performance of their duties, to throw
any item unless a permit specifically authorizing such throwing.
c) During the period of time and within the boundaries of an extraordinary event, it shall be unlawful
for any person, other than governmental employees in the performance of their duties, to willfully
or intentionally possess, carry, control or have immediate access to any of the following:
(1) A bar, chain, shaft, staff, cable, wire, lumber, or plastic pipe capable of inflicting serious
injury to a person if thrown at or struck upon another, except as permitted by City Code Sec.
19-303(d);
(2) A container or object of sufficient weight that may be used as a projectile, or that contains
objects that may be used as a projectile, that could inflict serious injury to a person or
damage to property;
(3) An aerosol container, spray gun or soaker device;
(4) A paint gun, etching materials, spray paint container, liquid paint or marker containing a
fluid that is not water soluble;
(5) A backpack, duffle bag, satchel, cooler or other item carried with the intent to conceal
weapons or other prohibited items;
(6) A glass or breakable container capable of being filled with a flammable or dangerous
substance carried with the intent to inflict serious injury to a person or damage to property;
(7) A sharp or bladed objects such as a box cutter, utility knife, ice pick, axe, or any other object
defined in City Code Sec. 15-14;
(8) A hammer or crow bar;
(9) Pepper spray, mace or any other irritant carried with the intent to delay, obstruct or resist
the lawful orders of a law enforcement officer;
(10)Body armor, shield, helmet, protective pads, or gas masks carried or worn with the intent to
delay, obstruct or resist the lawful orders of a law enforcement officer;
(11)A mask or scarf worn with the intent to hide one’s identity while committing a crime;
(12)A police scanner;
(13)Rocks, bottles, objects, bricks or pieces thereof that are of sufficient weight or design as to
cause serious injury to a person if thrown at or struck upon another;
(14)A device used to shoot, hurl or project a missile of any description capable of inflicting
serious injury to a person;
(15)A “sock” or “pocket” containing material of sufficient weight as to cause serious injury to a
person if thrown at or struck upon another;
(16)Fireworks, smoke bombs, sparklers, and stink-bombs;
(17)An animal unless specifically allowed under the terms of a permit issued in City Code Sec.
19-313 or is a service animal used to assist a person with a disability.
(d)
The following factors shall be a defense to prosecution for a violation of subsection:
(1)
The defendant was engaged in, or on the way to or from, an activity in which he or she
legitimately used the device or object; and
(2)
The defendant possessed that object for that legitimate use; and
(3)
The defendant did not use or attempt to use the object as a weapon or to injure another
person or damage property.”
Please Direct Questions to DNC Permit Official:
Emily Cantrell
Phone: (704) 432-2076
Email: ecantrell@charlottenc.gov
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