In a unanimous vote, the Atlanta City Council passes a compromise ordinance cracking down on "aggressive panhandling".
The earlier version had called for up to 180 days in jail on the first offense. Mayor Reed vetoed it.
The new version sets up a series of penalties: up to 30 days community service on the first offense; at least 30-days in jail for the second; and at least 90 days behind bars on the third.
At the same time, the compromise makes tightens up the definition of "aggressive" begging: those who continue to accost citizens after being told "no".
"This legislation protects our citizens from those wolves who -- to the detriment of those truly in need -- cloak themselves in sheep's clothing," says Councilman Michael Bond Critics of the earlier ordinance complained it was unfair to the poor.
The mayor is expected to sign the compromise plan. The new law would apply citywide. The vote was 14-0.
This article was published by WSBRADIO.com (http://www.wsbradio.com/news/news/atlanta-city-council-passes-amended-panhandling-or/nSRCG/)
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