Raleigh has a panhandling ordinance that really works

I lived in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., for a bit and was most impressed with their panhandling laws. Panhandlers are required to have a permit they must purchase themselves on a daily basis from city hall. The permit is $20.

Panhandlers must purchase a yellow reflective vest and wear it at all times during the hours they are permitted to panhandle. Once they prove they have their reflective vest and receive a permit, they are only allowed to panhandle between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and cannot panhandle at the door or road entrance to any business, strip mall, ATM, home, medical facility or school.

They are only allowed to approach vehicles if the driver or passenger holds out a form of help such as money or food.

Consequently, the only place we may have seen a panhandler was at an off-ramp or stoplight along the highway. Because they were required to buy their own permit and reflective wear, it was rare to see anyone.

I wish the city of Olympia would consider following the same ordinance.

This story was originally published September 1, 2015 at 8:44 AM with the headline "Raleigh has a panhandling ordinance that really works."