WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — So-called “aggressive” panhandling is now illegal in Worcester.
The city council took a final vote Tuesday to outlaw certain types of panhandling, ending nearly nine years of effort by the council to put curbs on the practice.
The Telegram & Gazette reports (http://bit.ly/WFei7H) that the new restrictions include prohibitions against soliciting money from motorists while standing in the street, on a traffic island or while walking in and out of traffic.
Some councilors opposed the law, saying its enforcement would add new duties to an already stretched police force. Other opponents said the law violated free speech rights. But advocates said the law was about public safety and the measure passed the council overwhelmingly.
The council also outlawed “tag days,” at which charitable groups solicit donations from motorists at intersections.
My question is, are we really going to throw panhandlers in jail?
Maybe we can get rid of the ones that stand at the plaza all the time. …
well of course we will. it is the american way to imprison people for minor things just so rich folks don’t have to see or deal with it
Wasting money too!
Standing on an island doesn’t sound aggressive
Springfield needs to do this. I dont care where you go in this city, someone is hanging outside a business asking for money or at an intersection. Its a pain in the ***.
@paul it’s easy just say no
Thats not the point. Nobody wants to be harassed for money everytime you go somewhere.