Royal Oak gets OK with new begging law

ROYAL OAK (AP) -- The American Civil Liberties Union is praising Royal Oak for changing a tough law targeting panhandlers. The Detroit suburb known for its vibrant nightlife now is prohibiting only aggressive begging, not all begging. The ACLU had said the previous ordinance was unconstitutional. Royal Oak panhandlers now are banned from blocking a path, touching someone without consent and soliciting at outdoor cafés unless they have the owner's consent. In a statement Monday, the ACLU said it hopes other cities will follow Royal Oak's example. The group says at least 12 Oakland County communities completely ban all begging. Published: Wed, May 18, 2011