Group seeks panhandling, smoking restrictions at Iowa City ped mall

The Downtown Association of Iowa City wants the city to make changes to its panhandler law.

Currently, it is illegal to request an immediate donation of money in the downtown within 20 feet of an ATM and within 10 feet of a sidewalk cafe, a building entrance, the downtown playground or a mobile vendor.

The Downtown Association's board voted unanimously to request that those distances be increased to 25 feet and that solicitors be at least 50 feet apart. It also wants solicitors to register with the city.

Additionally, the association wants to ban soliciting in the Pedestrian Mall at all times and for the area to be smoke-free from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. to cut down on loitering.

The City Council is expected to discuss the proposal after the new year.