Moraine OKs tougher new law on panhandling

The Moraine City Council on Thursday night became the latest area city to approve a new ordinance placing tighter restrictions on panhandling within city limits.

The Council voted unanimously for the law that will require panhandlers to register with the city of Moraine before they can legally ask for money.

On Jan. 9, the Beavercreek City Council voted unanimously to eliminate panhandling, which police in Beavercreek said had increased since Dayton toughened its regulations last July.

The Beavercreek ordinance went into effect on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 30 days after that Council’s vote. Under the Beavercreek law, offenders will face a misdemeanor and a $250 fine on the first offense. If the same person is busted for panhandling more than three times in a year, the jail time will be increased to 60 days in jail and the fine will go to $500.

Last fall, Beavercreek police Chief Dennis Evers said panhandling has been on the increase since spring and he told the Council that the city was experiencing individuals standing at the off-ramps for Interstate 675 and North Fairfield, soliciting for money. He said the individuals were becoming more aggressive and approaching people as they get in and out of their vehicles at retail establishments.

Dayton’s ordinance on panhandling went into effect July 22. It allows police to arrest individuals holding signs asking for money near roadways where they could be distracting drivers. The difference between the Dayton ordinance and the Beavercreek ordinance is that the latter will allow nonprofit organizations to ask for donations.