Panhandlers are a common sight in New Bedford and now one City Councillor is proposing that they be regulated.

Councillor-At-Large Ian Abreu tells WBSM's Brian Thomas that for many panhandling is a full time job and, like any business that operates in the city, oversight is needed.

"If you're going to be standing on city, state, or federal property panhandling, looking for funds to support yourself or your family, you need some accountability," said Abreu "by accountability that means we need to start creating a registry or a licensing process for said panhandlers."
Abreu says this is more than regulating an industry or dealing with a nuisance it's also becoming a matter of public safety.

"We're seeing panhandling on every single corner, in many cases they're knocking on doors or windows asking for money, actually going to vehicles, it's scaring people" said Abreu "it's becoming a problem."

However, Abreu says he would like to see the final proposal include a waiver process for charitable groups that wish to solicit for funds in public areas.

"It would be obviously like a temporary waiver pass," said Abreu "we'd have to figure out a waiver system or a pass system for that weekend or whatever the case may be."

Abreu says he plans to introduce his motion during the Council's meeting on April 14.

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