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Ask Me For Money, But Don't Yell, Kick, or Chase

By Rachelle Bowden in News on Sep 30, 2004 4:06PM

Panhandler - Photo: http://www.westendguide.usChicago City Council unanimously passed an ordinance that bans panhandlers from touching, chasing, or yelling at people while begging for money. The ordinance also prohibits them from panhandling within 10 feet of a bus stop, ATM or bank entrance, and at sidewalk cafes and restaurants.

Alderman Burton Natarus proposed the ordinance earlier this month. He says people have the right to ask for money as long as they do it in a reasonable way.

Aggressive panhandlers will be fined 50 bucks for a first or second offense and $100 for each additional offense within a 12-month period.

Poor & homeless advocates dislike the ordinance. They say that it distracts from solving the social and economic problems that lead people to panhandle in the first place. And Chicagoist is still confused as to how exactly a panhandler is supposed to pay this fine, but whatev..the City Coucil knows best, yeh?

In a poll by the Trib, 82% of people hardly ever give panhandlers money and almost 86% of us support the agressive panhandling ordinance.