Contact: Denise Turner
Phone: 336-373-2002

City Changes Panhandlers’ Ordinance

GREENSBORO, NC – (November 12, 2010) – The City of Greensboro is changing its ordinance to require all panhandlers and door-to-door solicitors to obtain a privilege licensing agreement, and display it at all times. The changes ensure that solicitors are easily identifiable and have been absent of criminal activity for the past five years.

Under the revised ordinance, all peddlers must register with the City of Greensboro and submit to a criminal background check. Once approved, they must display their licensing agreement – via a lanyard or clipped to their clothing – to visibly show their name, type of license and date of expiration. Individuals who have not registered with the City or who do not have their licenses in plain sight will not be allowed to solicit for personal gain and could be found guilty of a misdemeanor.
 
Greensboro City Council voted to approve the ordinance change on September 7 and all peddlers have until June 30, 2011 to comply with the new requirements. For more information, call the City's Small Business Division at 336-373-2501 or view the City’s “Panhandler Licenses” video at www.greensboro-nc.gov/videos.

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The City works with the community to improve the quality of life for residents through inclusion, diversity, and trust. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a professional staff of 2,800 employees who maintain the values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City is governed by a council-manager form of government with a mayor and eight council members. For more information on the City, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov or call 373-CITY (2489).