Raleigh passes strict panhandling ordinance
City leaders are making panhandling in Raleigh a little bit tougher by restricting the time, place and manner in which someone can beg for money.
On Tuesday, the Raleigh City Council unanimously approved an amended ordinance that goes beyond a previous law requiring panhandlers to apply for a city permit to beg.
The new ordinance takes effect March 18 and bans panhandling in school zones, within 100 feet of any ATM or within 20 feet of any business, residence or outdoor dining area.
Panhandlers will be in violation of the ordinance if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, make threatening statements or use abusive language, beg in groups of three or more or use false or misleading information.
They can beg only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Violating the new rules is a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine.
