The St. Louis County Council passed a panhandling ban Tuesday. The vote was 6-1 to prohibit "aggressive solicitation," and to bar people from asking drivers for money in traffic, at bus stops, near ATMs and after dark. Councilwoman Lisa Clancy cast the only 'no' vote.
Homeless advocate Reverend Larry Rice spoke against it. "Now at the surface of the bill it looks really good. Of course all of us are against aggressive solicitation or against individuals endangering the lives of others, but the fact of the matter is that I believe this bill will only make things worse for some of the most vulnerable people in our community." Rice notes that St. Louis County still has no walk-in shelter like downtown does.
The bill’s sponsor, Councilman Mike Archer of Oakville, says critics have it backwards.
"One of the things that the opponents of this bill have failed to realize and I think have just basically ignored is the fact that this is for the safety of the homeless population as well," Archer said.
Archer also says people are getting killed asking for money along county roads. "We've had people in my district get hurt and injured and killed when they have tried to solicit on the roadways."
It now goes to County Executive Sam Page for his signature or veto.
A St. Louis County councilman says people are getting killed asking for money along county roads.
A St. Louis County councilman says people are getting killed asking for money along county roads.
