Cincinnati City Council will hold a public hearing March 5 on an ordinance that would restrict panhandling.

        Councilman Pat DeWine, chairman of the Law and Public Safety Committee, introduced a proposal Wednesday that he said would curb some of the more aggressive forms of panhandling.

        Mr. DeWine's proposal would make it illegal to beg for money:

        • After sunset or before sunrise.

        • On private property or at a bus stop.

        • Within 20 feet of a bank or automated teller machine, or in a line outside any business.

        • After a person refuses or walks away.

        • By making a false statement or using profanity.

        Mr. DeWine's proposal would remove the requirement that panhandlers must first receive a warning before being cited.

        But it also makes clear that “passive” forms of panhandling — for example, standing or sitting on the sidewalk with a sign asking for money — are legal.

        Some homeless advocates have objected to Mr. DeWine's efforts to restrict panhandling, saying that poor people have a First Amendment right to ask for money.

        Mr. DeWine said Wednesday that he looked at laws in other cities, and has crafted an ordinance that should be held constitutional.

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