One year after the ban: How aggressive begging has changed Bremen

One year after the ban: How aggressive begging has changed Bremen

Aggressive begging has been banned in Bremen for a year, and the city has now introduced new regulations to deal with the problem. Although begging remains fundamentally legal, there are strict requirements that primarily concern aggressive behavior. Aggressive begging includes, according to information from buten and within Measures such as harassing, holding or touching passers-by as well as blocking paths and repeatedly speaking to people after a rejection. Despite these bans, a survey in Bremen city center shows that people begging are still present.

One example is 21-year-old Jamiro, who says he only has a five percent success rate when begging. “I see more and more beggars, and busking is my biggest competition,” he explains. 51-year-old Michael also raises some critical points: "Many people take advantage of pity. I have seen aggressive beggars who appear in groups." For some, like dog owner Katharina, friendly and unobtrusive begging also seems to bring success.

New rules and regulations

The city plans to take tougher action against aggressive begging in the future. A report from District newspaper shows that organizational and gang-based begging will be prohibited in the future. Begging is banned in Bremen restaurants and on public transport such as buses and trams. There are penalties of up to 500 euros if children are used or passers-by are harassed. The city initiative has also campaigned for a ban on begging in outdoor restaurants in order to improve the situation.

While the Bremen Chamber of Commerce speaks of the ban being a small success, restaurateurs like Jonas Wischeropp show a different view: “The situation has not improved, we have people begging with us every day.” Bremer Straßenbahn AG is not aware of any major changes in the overall situation, but sees the increased police presence as helpful. These new developments come within a context in which begging is often viewed as an expression of extreme hardship.

Support for beggars

A discussion about the right support for begging people aims to improve their situation, especially during the winter. Caritas has published 13 tips to help you be sensitive when dealing with begging people. Loud wohnungslosenstiftung.org Donating money to beggars is certainly legitimate, even if how the money is used at that moment is of course left up to the beggars. Donations in kind are viewed as less effective because they often do not meet the beggars' actual needs.

The increase in homelessness and poverty in Germany is also rooted in growing working poverty, which now affects 9.6% of the population. This represents a doubling in just ten years. The persistent prejudices against homelessness and begging have a complex social background that we cannot ignore. While Bremen takes action, the question remains how we as a society can have a good hand for those who are on the margins of society.