Panhandling Ordinances Under Fire

Michael, a bearded panhandler beside a woman carrying cardboard “God Bless!!!” signs, pulls out a slip of paper stuffed inside his glove. It’s a citation — not having the proper business license — that he says carries $257 fine. “We ain’t been up here very long,” says Michael, declining to give his last name. “I ain’t know about the rules.” Unless Michael was panhandling in the middle of the street or on private property, he doesn’t need a permit. Panhandling is legal. But not everybody knows that, especially after the Spokane City Council last November passed ordinances that targeted panhandling activities. Within the downtown core, the city banned sitting on sidewalks and panhandling next to business entrances or within 15 feet of ATMs/ Daniel Walters , Inlander. More here .

Question: Should city governments keep a tight rein on panhandlers in the Inland Northwest?