Information on the Downtown Memphis Panhandling Ordinances
Information on the Downtown Memphis Panhandling Ordinances
Tomorrow, two proposed ordinances designed to curb disorderly panhandling downtown will be introduced to the city council. The ordinances would ban the sale of single beers (think 40oz beers at gas stations) within the core of downtown and restrict panhandling to designated areas.
The hope is that by banning single beer sales and limiting panhandling areas, it'll be easier to curb drunken, disorderly and aggressive panhandling. Unfortunately, this sort of panhandling is common, and it causes discomfort visitors to the city and residents of downtown and leads them to believe that downtown isn't a safe area.
It's important to note that these ordinances are not aimed at downtown's homeless population - they're not the problem. The problem is the hardcore panhandlers, the ones that follow people down the street, the ones that yell, and the ones that won't take no for an answer.
If you support these ordinances, there are several ways to show it. The ordinances are being introduced to the city council tomorrow morning at 8:30. Please contact your city council representative and let them know how you feel about the proposed plan. You can also sign the Center City Commission's petition to support the ordinances.
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