Sofia City Hall Bans Street Begging

For years street begging has been a problem for Sofia, triggering complaints from residents and visitors, who say they have often been harassed by beggars. Photo by BGNES

The Sofia Municipal Council issued Thursday an order banning street begging in the city.

The fines for those caught begging will range from BGN 10 to 50.

For years now street begging has been a problem for Sofia, triggering complaints from residents and visitors, who say they have often been harassed by beggars.

The councilmen also issued several other decrees. One of them prohibits restaurants and bars located in residential buildings from remaining open for business after 10 pm. Violators will be fined BGN 2,000 to 10,000. Loud music and manufacturing activities are also now prohibited in residential buildings.

Other bans include disposal of trash outside waste containers and near buildings and use of pyrotechnics after 8 pm in the winter and 9 pm in the summer.