Group protests proposed ban on panhandling

Eds: APNewsNow.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) -- A proposal to ban panhandling in downtown Lawrence is causing controversy in the university town.

A group of about 30 street musicians, panhandlers and their supporteres held a brief rally Tuesday in front of Lawrence City Hall to encourage commissioners to drop the idea.

Commissioner Aron Cromwell last month suggested a total panhandling ban downtown, although he said street musicians might be able to apply for a city license. Commissioners have directed staff members to research the issue.

Nicole Manriquez, an organizer of the protest, said the group supported the city's current ban on aggressive panhandling. And she says a greater police presence downtown would address most of the concerns surrounding panhandling.

------

Information from: Lawrence Journal-World, http://www.ljworld.com