Street Preachers

D.A.

lostgolfball wrote: »

What other activity that could be shown to negatively affect business and commerce in our towns would be permitted.

I'm sure we can all think of one in particular, but let's not go there. :rotfl:

Cotta

D.A. wrote: »

I'm sure we can all think of one in particular, but let's not go there. :rotfl:

Hoax bomb alerts?

lostgolfball

guiriman wrote: »

At the risk of stating the obvious, have you tried talking to them?

No, i haven't. Maybe I'm wrong, but they don't seem like the type of people would be interested in a chat about moving along. They have a very aggressive preaching style. Also, silly as it may seem, I don't want to be known as the business that spoke out and was boycotted. My business is known as being friendly and welcoming to all. This is difficult when the atmosphere directly outside is so inclement because of these guys preaching really loudly. I've watched people stop and browse in my window, then come in browsing. On the days these guys are there, people move quickly past to a quieter part of the town...

guiriman

Well, maybe try chatting to them at the end of their 'shift'. Start out by asking them how their day has been and then politely move the conversation round to the effect on your business and if they would consider rotating their venue. Got any competitors who you could move them towards?

Jersy

I hate this also - there is a looney bin in the main street of Banbridge on a Saturday.
Last time I saw him there was three of them.

BigAl94

lostgolfball wrote: »

No, i haven't. Maybe I'm wrong, but they don't seem like the type of people would be interested in a chat about moving along. They have a very aggressive preaching style. Also, silly as it may seem, I don't want to be known as the business that spoke out and was boycotted. My business is known as being friendly and welcoming to all. This is difficult when the atmosphere directly outside is so inclement because of these guys preaching really loudly. I've watched people stop and browse in my window, then come in browsing. On the days these guys are there, people move quickly past to a quieter part of the town...

Do you have a Trader's Association who could collectively approach the issue?

stephenni1971

guiriman wrote: »

At the risk of stating the obvious, have you tried talking to them?

The local preacher in Bangor got a bit of a shock when I interrupted him mid flow as he was ranting about atheists and how stupid they are to him him I was one myself and objected to his tone and insinuation.

The guy had no answer and actuall got a little aggressive - sad thing is that unchallenged he could go on all day but when actuall asked to explain himself he hadn't a clue!

Rockman

Could you not get a busker to play outside your shop for a few weeks and drown them out. They will soon move on if they lose their captive audience.

Ticked

AFAIK, it is not illegal to street preach but it is illegal to use amplification. Some years back I phoned the police about a group of preachers who were being a real pain, police attended but all they could do was tell them to turn off the amplifier. They did, then moved on. Get the police. These guys may be motivated with the best of intentions but no-one was ever converted by being shouted at. If they can't get the message across by reasoned argument, they ain't going to do it by browbeating at high volume. Annoying folk does not make them sympathetically inclined.

RikM

Ticked wrote: »

AFAIK, it is not illegal to street preach but it is illegal to use amplification. Some years back I phoned the police about a group of preachers who were being a real pain, police attended but all they could do was tell them to turn off the amplifier. They did, then moved on. Get the police. These guys may be motivated with the best of intentions but no-one was ever converted by being shouted at. If they can't get the message across by reasoned argument, they ain't going to do it by browbeating at high volume. Annoying folk does not make them sympathetically inclined.

Depending on where they are, they could possibly be charged with obstruction. Gatherings are not supposed to restrict legitimate use of the highway (which includes the pavement).