RUTLAND TOWN, Vt. -
A new ordinance in Rutland town took affect today that will ban panhandlers in certain areas.
The streets of Rutland Town lacked any panhandler's Saturday but not people who are willing to share their opinion on the new ordinance.
"The select board is maybe trying to get a handle on it before it gets to far," Vicki Shaddock said.
"It's cold in Vermont. I'd hate to see them out there. I gave him a dollar," Tim Parker said.
The new ban prohibits people from panhandling fifteen feet from a building or in a business parking lot but some people think that's taking away an avenue for panhandler's to market their business.
"At least they are outside trying to basically get money in one way or another and not going and robbing banks or convenience stores or committing crimes to get money," Dennis VanNostrand said.
After the order to stop panhandling the town says it will now fine up to fifty dollars for anyone caught panhandling after today.
"I would imagine they would move on if there's a chance they can get in trouble," Parker said.
"I remember hearing my parents saying when they were younger there were people doing it so I think it will keep going no matter what," VanNostrand said.
"What better way to do it than enforce fines," Shaddock said.
