Minneapolis gets tough on panhandlers

The Minneapolis City Council today passed an amendment to its panhandling ordinance that forbids panhandling after dark and in groups of two or more. It also extends the list of places where public begging is against the law to include park land, gas stations, and liquor and convenience stores. Opponents of the amendment, like councilmember Cam Gordon, says he fears the law will be used in a discriminatory manner.

[The panhandling ordinance does not apply to people who passively hold signs that ask for money.

Brandt Williams will have more on All Things Considered.