German cities debate begging bans near outdoor dining

Cities in North Rhine-Westphalia are experiencing intense debate over bans on begging near outdoor dining areas. In Dortmund, a twelve-month pilot project has implemented a ban on both active and silent begging within a five-meter radius of outdoor gastronomy. While local business owners requested the measure to prevent harassment of guests, internal communications from the legal and regulatory offices have raised doubts regarding the legality and necessity of the restriction.

In Düsseldorf, restaurateurs and representatives from Carlsplatz are also calling for similar protections. Local business owners report an increase in begging, particularly in the evenings, noting that individuals often approach guests while they are eating or paying. While Düsseldorf's hospitality community supports a ban to protect the dining experience, some representatives suggest that the specific five-meter buffer zone remains a point of negotiation, focusing instead on a general prohibition near outdoor seating.