The Minneapolis Police Chief is asking the city council to approve a plan for beggars to obtain a "panhandlers' license."
Robert Yellow Wolf, a homeless man panhandling on an interstate off-ramp, called the plan "ridiculous," but said: "When you're homeless, you have no say."
Here's a poll. I voted "it's not practical. Could use some help!
http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5374184.htmlhttp://www.startribune.com/stories/670/5373125.htmlBeggars May Need Licenses in Minneapolis
By GREGG AAMOT, Associated Press Writer
April 27, 2005 0427AP-LICENSE-TO-BE
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The police chief wants to license panhandlers, saying it would make it easier for officers to manage aggressive begging in Minnesota's largest city.
Under the plan, panhandlers would have to register each year at a government center and have their picture taken. Anyone failing to wear an ID badge would be jailed for 30 days, and possibly fined.
"The idea is not to penalize people or make them go away," Chief William McManus said Wednesday. "It's just a way to govern how they conduct their business."
Minneapolis already bans panhandling in front of cash machines, bus stops and restrooms.
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