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City holds public hearing on proposed changes to aggressive panhandling ordinance

Panhandling is a challenging issue faced by cities of all sizes, and it is a growing concern in Minneapolis. On June 6, 2007, the Minneapolis City Council’s Public Safety & Regulatory Service Committee meeting will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the City’s “aggressive solicitation” (panhandling) ordinance.

Pubic hearing on proposed changes to Aggressive Solicitation Ordinance

1 p.m., Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Public Safety & Regulatory Services Committee Meeting
Council Chamber, Room 317, City Hall, 350 S. Fifth Street

The current Aggressive Solicitation Ordinance states that it is unlawful to verbally solicit donations (panhandle) at any of the following:

• In a restroom
• At a crosswalk, bus or light rail stop or shelter
• On public transit
• In a vehicle parked on a public street or alley
• In a sidewalk café
• In line to be admitted to a government or commercial establishment
• Within 20 feet in any direction from an ATM or financial institution

The proposed changes to the Aggressive Solicitation Ordinance would add the following to the existing locations and restrictions to verbally solicit donations (panhandle):

• Within 10 feet in any direction from a crosswalk
• On any park land or in any park or sporting facility, including 50 feet of entry or exits thereto
• At or within 10 feet of gas station, liquor store, or convenience store property
• Solicitation in a group of 2 or more would be prohibited
• Solicitation after sunset or before sunrise, and half hour before sunset and after sunrise

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