A new rule aims to prevent unwanted run-ins with snakes on the streets of Downtown Nashville.
The Metro Council unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday that bars the display or exhibition of animals in exchange for payment or tips on public property, streets and sidewalks.
The genesis of this regulation? Peddlers who drape snakes around pedestrian’s necks and shoulders — with or without consent — and then solicit payment for the experience.
District 19 Council member Jacob Kupin, who represents downtown, said Tuesday’s action is an early step toward improving the district’s livability.
“One of the things I ran on was getting downtown to a place that both tourists and locals can feel safe, feel comfortable and access,” Kupin said Tuesday. “One of the first things that rose to my attention was people putting snakes on people’s bodies and asking for tips, so that is no longer allowed downtown.”
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District 14 Council member Jordan Huffman, who co-sponsored the bill along with Kupin and District 12 Council member Erin Evans, said one of his constituents told him that a python was placed on them without their consent, and payment was then demanded “fairly aggressively.”
“Obviously that caused some concern,” Huffman said.
City regulations already prohibited the unpermitted sale of goods, food, merchandise or projects on Metro property. The addition of animal-specific language is meant to provide a clearer line for Metro police to restrict that activity.
Kupin said he will continue working with Metro’s Office of Nightlife, Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s office, Metro police and the Nashville Department of Transportation to make downtown more livable.
