Madison police, State Street merchants and downtown pedestrians have reported a decrease in panhandling since a summer ordinance change prohibited the act near sidewalk caf??s.
A previous panhandling ordinance only prohibited aggressive and menacing panhandling with no references to street caf??s or stores. The new ordinance, implemented June 28, 2005, set more limitations for State Street panhandlers.
\One of the biggest changes with the ordinance is that [panhandling] left the outdoor caf??s,"" Madison Police Department Capt. Mary Schauf said.
State Street pedestrians said they noticed the abundance of sidewalk seating some restaurants now offer, but will likely also notice the numerous panhandlers occupying the street.
""One of the problems we had before the ordinance change was that people were panhandling right next to outdoor caf??s, so it really made for a poor environment,"" Schauf said.
Some say panhandlers have become increasingly aggressive toward caf?? customers.
""We actually had them come in the door asking our customers for money,"" said Linda Kasmar-Ehlers, manager of Larry B's, 617 State St.
Since the ordinance change, Larry B's has had no incidents. ""We're very happy about it,"" she said.
For many business owners, the ordinance change means an extreme change for their business and their customers. Kasmar-Ehlers said she felt people were more comfortable walking on the street knowing they would not constantly be asked for money.
Panhandling is still allowed, but only in two areas near the 500 block.
""We're essentially preserving the right [to panhandle] but making it so that State Street is for everybody,"" Schauf said.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said he thought implementing the ordinance would be more controversial than it turned out to be.
""I've received nothing but positive reports,"" Verveer said. ""I am shocked on the amazing effect the ordinance change has had.""
Schauf said the ordinance seems to have worked out for everyone, as even panhandlers have been conscious and respectful of the changes made.
However, other State Street business employees said they have not noticed a problem with panhandlers bothering their customers. ""On a rare occasion, panhandlers have asked customers for money ... [only] once or twice in the past two years that I have worked here,"" said Argent Remingeton, a waiter at H??sn??s, 547 State St.
