Officials in Athens are proposing a new ordinance to crack down on panhandlers in the Classic City’s downtown area. (photo-Je Kemp)
The Athens Banner-Herald reports the new ordinance would ban panhandling near banks, ATMs, sidewalk cafes, bus stops, taxis and parking meters, and while standing in line to enter a business.
Athens-Clarke County officials say there’s been a spike in complaints about aggressive panhandling.
If the ordinance is eventually approved, it would apply countywide, but panhandling is most prevalent in downtown Athens.
