Salzburg authorities issue guide for beggars: Don't ask for money loudly, you must not touch passers-by

Salzburg city authorities in Austria have issued a special brochure for beggars, explaining how they should behave when begging, reports the BH news agency Patria (NAP).

The brochure suggests that beggars must not beg in groups, must not pretend to be disabled, and must not go to people's doors to ask for money.

In recent years, Austria has faced a large number of beggars coming from Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, as well as Roma people. However, the Salzburg authorities have decided to treat them in a friendly manner.

- If they are already here, then we need to help them adapt to the environment they are in as much as possible, meaning they should not disturb citizens - said one of the Salzburg city officials.

- After all, they are also our fellow citizens - he added.

The brochure, which explains to beggars what they are forbidden to do while begging, has been translated into five languages: German, Hungarian, Romanian, Bulgarian, and Romani.

Here is everything that beggars in Salzburg are forbidden to do while begging:

1. It is forbidden to ask a passer-by for money, you can only extend your hand
2. A beggar must not touch a passer-by
3. Begging in a group is forbidden
4. If you have been forced to beg, you must report it to the police
5. You must not bring children with you when you beg
6. Children must not beg
7. If you want to play music on the street and earn money that way, you must have a police permit
8. Begging in catering establishments is forbidden
9. Begging in front of shops is forbidden
10. Going to apartment doors and begging is forbidden
11. Begging in front of public fountains is forbidden
12. You must be very quiet between 10 PM and 6 AM
13. You must use public toilets and you must not enter public transport without a purchased ticket