Does Nashua Need an Anti-Panhandling Law?

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Nashua officials are considering a law that would ban drivers from passing money to panhandlers.

Ward 5 Alderman Michael Soucy proposed the legislation that’s currently being reviewed. He said having panhandlers on busy roads creates a dangerous situation.

“The ordinance is about public safety,” he said in a statement. “The intent is to get panhandlers and anyone else distributing, receiving, or exchanging items from (drivers) to stop.”

First-time violators would receive a warning. Subsequent violations would carry a $500 fine.

Concord has passed similar legislation.

Here’s Soucy’s proposed ordinance:

Photo credit: kinglasher13 via Flickr