2007-01-15 08:26:25 · 11 answers · asked by Koko Butta Kream 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It falls under disturbing the peace. People want to go into a store a store get what they need and get out. They dont want to be harrassed for money buy drunks who need a quick beer.
2007-01-15 08:31:20 · answer #1 · answered by meka g 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is not illegal everywhere but where it is illegal it is mostly about money. If people are avoiding an area because of panhandlers then it is costing the merchants money. Since the merchants pay taxes they can lobby for laws regarding public nuisances (panhandlers). There was a panhandling law passed recently in a city near me and the argument was that standing quietly a certain distance from any business holding a sign was OK but vocally asking for money, following people and blocking the sidewalk or business doorway or harassing people and calling them names can get you arrested or ticketed. It is all about people's comfort levels where panhandlers are concerned.
2007-01-15 08:40:48 · answer #2 · answered by PRS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most places it's not. Even where it is, it usually doesn't stand up to any court test. It's a free-speech thing. After all look all around in America we are inundated with advertisements asking us to spend money. Also, if they can take away your right to ask for a coin with speech, what else can they stop you from saying or asking?
If you live in a community that has tried to ban pan-handling like, Sarasota, FL or Cincinnati, OH get out now! It's a sign of a government with no one to answer to and it's probably one of the growing number of towns, who's leaders have figured out how to gain more power by putting people in prison and other very, very, bad things. Don't find a new job, just gather what you can and go!
OR
Stand and fight. Be prepared, in places like Cincinnati and Sarasota they sometimes imprison and kill people who fight against the power too much. I'm not exaggerating.
2007-01-15 08:38:14 · answer #3 · answered by texxsmith 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally no -- only being aggressive and obstructing people, or touching or threatening them is. What you describe would likely be illegal only if they're otherwise interfering with traffic or their sign gets considered a billboard or they're a nuisance or something. But asking for a handout in a passive manner like that generally isn't illegal.
2016-03-28 23:05:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Panhandling usually involves harassment, trespassing, public intoxication, and a few other crimes.
Most of the people who do it, just turn around and use the money to buy alcohol & drugs.
2007-01-15 08:34:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because when ppl panhandle, they tend to be a nuisance and bother / harrass ppl while doing it.
2007-01-15 08:30:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the goverment does not want you to live off the map. they do not want you to be unemployed, or homeless. if you are not another rabid consumer, paying taxes, and contributing to the anthill, they get angry. they want to keep tabs on you, and make money off you.
panhandling is the major way that vagabonds, drifters, and bums earn money, and manage to stay alive without government help.
so it's illegal to discourage the homeless. just as "vagrancy" is a crime - sleeping in public. it is a CRIME to be too poor to have a house.
2007-01-15 08:36:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Probably because it's considered a public nuisance.
2007-01-15 08:29:34 · answer #8 · answered by scruffy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If everyone was begging on the street, you'd get mobbed and maybe robbed.
2007-01-15 08:33:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because they can't figure out how to tax it yet. Nuff said?!?!
2007-01-15 08:34:11 · answer #10 · answered by johN p. aka-Hey you. 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋