City Council approves strengthening Minneapolis’ aggressive solicitation ordinance
The Minneapolis City Council approved a new aggressive solicitation ordinance designed to combat aggressive panhandling at its June 15, 2007 meeting. Aggressive panhandling can pose a public safety problem and diminish the livability of the city. The ordinance puts new restrictions on the times and locations that panhandling (verbal solicitation) is allowed.
The previous Aggressive Solicitation Ordinance made it unlawful to verbally solicit money 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
The new ordinance adds additional locations and restrictions, making verbal solicitation unlawful at any of the following:
- Within 10 feet in any direction from a crosswalk
- On any park land, playground or public entertainment venue, including 50 feet of entry or exits
- At or within 10 feet of gas station, liquor store, or convenience store property
- Within 80 feet in any direction from an ATM or financial institution (previous distance was 20 feet)
- Solicitation in a group of two or more
- Solicitation after sunset or before sunrise
Mayor R.T. Rybak and the City will soon launch a "Give Real Change" campaign to encourage people to give money not to panhandlers, but to organizations that can create real change in peoples lives. Minneapolis and Hennepin County have also partnered on a new 10-year plan to end homelessness. To find out more, visit the Homelessness website.
June 15, 2007
Published Jun. 15, 2007