BAKERSFIELD,CA- In a five to nothing vote, on Wednesday the Bakersfield City Council adopted an aggressive panhandling ordinance, it says will make downtown Bakersfield more patron friendly.
"It's a right to ask for money, which we have no problem with its when you're feeling more threatened and that it's more of a stick up rather than could you help," said Cathy Butler, President of the Downtown Business Association.
The ordinance, three months in the making, prohibits aggressive panhandling which includes offensive language and knocking on car windows. It also prohibits panhandlers from soliciting within 20 feet of a bank or ATM.
"It doesn't prohibit from someone hey, holding a sign and saying hey I'm asking for some funds. Except for those distances. But they can't come after you, they can't persistently ask you they can't always follow you to your car. Follow you in a parking lot after certain hours," said councilmember Russell Johnson.
City officials say aggressive panhandlers deter some people from visiting downtown businesses.
The Downtown Business Association is drafting up posters for business owners to display on their front windows.
"We're not sure at this point if we're going to be distributing these and if they'll be free or if we might charge a small fee for $5 and then give the funding to those that are really making a difference in helping those that need the help," said Butler.
The ordinance makes aggressive panhandling a misdemeanor or an infraction.
Bakersfield joins other California cities like San Fransisco and Visalia which have similar ordinances.
The ordinance will take effect May 16.
"It's a right to ask for money, which we have no problem with its when you're feeling more threatened and that it's more of a stick up rather than could you help," said Cathy Butler, President of the Downtown Business Association.
The ordinance, three months in the making, prohibits aggressive panhandling which includes offensive language and knocking on car windows. It also prohibits panhandlers from soliciting within 20 feet of a bank or ATM.
"It doesn't prohibit from someone hey, holding a sign and saying hey I'm asking for some funds. Except for those distances. But they can't come after you, they can't persistently ask you they can't always follow you to your car. Follow you in a parking lot after certain hours," said councilmember Russell Johnson.
City officials say aggressive panhandlers deter some people from visiting downtown businesses.
The Downtown Business Association is drafting up posters for business owners to display on their front windows.
"We're not sure at this point if we're going to be distributing these and if they'll be free or if we might charge a small fee for $5 and then give the funding to those that are really making a difference in helping those that need the help," said Butler.
The ordinance makes aggressive panhandling a misdemeanor or an infraction.
Bakersfield joins other California cities like San Fransisco and Visalia which have similar ordinances.
The ordinance will take effect May 16.