RTL Today - Luxembourg City: Begging ban enters repressive phase on Monday

On Monday, the repressive phase of the begging ban takes effect in Luxembourg City, with police officers, both uniformed and in plain clothes, patrolling the capital to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

According to the updated police regulations, all forms of begging are now prohibited in specific areas of Ville-Haute and around the central railway station from 7am to 10pm. Police officers are mandated to take action against all beggars found in violation, with potential consequences determined by the public prosecutor's office.

Marlène Negrini, the head of the police union SNPGL, clarified, "If beggars are not inebriated, not causing disturbances, or impeding others, they cannot be forcibly removed. Instead, they receive a penalty notice since you can't take money from someone who has nothing. If you were to issue a fine, then the same thing would happen as with those committing parking offences. The latter also receive a fine at first, and if they don't pay, the case goes to court. […] Ultimately, it is the judge's discretion on how to proceed."

Despite politicians repeatedly assuring that the ban only targets "aggressive" or "organised" begging, the wording of the police regulations appears to cast a wider net. Negrini, in conversation with RTL.lu, confirmed, "No, we're not allowed to make a distinction because the law essentially prohibits it […] sitting and asking for money is forbidden in various places in Luxembourg City between 7am and 10pm."