City council approves compromise: Simply approaching people should be allowed again; new no-go zones are planned
In Darmstadt, begging in public spaces is to be regulated anew. The city council approved a proposal to amend the municipal public safety ordinance on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. According to the proposal, the general ban, in effect since May 2025, on actively approaching passersby while begging will be relaxed. At the same time, stricter regulations against aggressive behavior and new no-begging zones in certain locations are planned.
The new regulations are the result of intensive political discussions and an expert consultation initiated by Head of Public Order Paul Georg Wandrey. The aim is a compromise that takes into account both the rights of people in need and the public's interest in using public space with as little disturbance as possible.
Simple addressing should be allowed again
One significant change concerns directly addressing passers-by.
Since May 2025, it has been generally forbidden in Darmstadt to actively approach other people while begging. This general ban on approaching people is to be lifted in the future.
Under the new regulation, it would again be permissible to ask a person for support once, calmly and objectively.
However, the proposal sets clear limits: Aggressive, intrusive, or harassing behavior remains prohibited. Physical approaches, restraining, or insulting individuals also remain unacceptable.
Anyone who repeatedly addresses the same person would also be violating the new regulation.
This is intended to differentiate between a simple request for help and behavior that may be perceived by other people as harassment or intimidation.
New no-go zones in front of shops and ATMs
In addition to easing the ban on contact, the city is introducing new spatial restrictions.
Begging should be generally prohibited in places where passers-by have difficulty avoiding a situation.
The areas designated as prohibited include, in particular:
- Areas at ATMs
- Areas at parking ticket machines
- Access to shops and supermarkets
- Gardens and other cultivated outdoor areas where guests stay
Head of Public Order Paul Georg Wandrey justifies these restrictions with the need to protect against situations in which people might feel pressured.
“Anyone who wants to withdraw money, go shopping or sit in a restaurant must be able to do so without being exposed to a situation they cannot avoid,” Wandrey explains.
The new spatial restrictions are therefore intended to provide additional protection in particularly sensitive locations.
Existing bans remain in place
The existing prohibitions on begging with children and animals, as well as on organized begging, remain unchanged.
The city intends to continue taking action against forms of begging that are generally not permitted under its public safety ordinance.
The planned new regulation therefore primarily concerns the question of under what circumstances people are allowed to ask other people for money or support and in which places this should be prohibited in principle.
City points to declining complaints
The planned change is also based on the development of the existing regulations.
Until May 2025, only "persistent and sustained solicitation" while begging was prohibited in Darmstadt.
According to the city, this wording allowed for considerable room for interpretation. It was difficult for the city police to clearly determine when a violation had occurred.
In light of increasing complaints, a general ban on actively soliciting was therefore introduced in May 2025.
Head of Public Order Wandrey continues to view this regulation positively.
“The ban on approaching people, which has been in effect since May 2025, has proven its worth from the perspective of public safety and order. Complaints have decreased significantly, and the city police have had a clear and effective basis for their checks,” he explains.
However, with the compromise now presented, the city is also responding to political decisions and concerns raised against the comprehensive ban on contacting the public.
Balancing different interests
According to the city of science, three interests are at the heart of the new regulations.
Firstly, people in need should retain the opportunity to draw attention to their plight and ask others for help.
At the same time, citizens should be able to use public space without being harassed or bothered.
Finally, the city police need clear regulations in order to identify violations and, if necessary, take action.
Wandrey makes it clear that, from a regulatory policy perspective, he would have preferred the existing general ban on contact.
"From a public order perspective, I would have preferred to maintain the existing general ban on contacting people. It was easier to monitor and demonstrably contributed to easing the situation," the city councilor explained.
However, it is part of political decision-making processes to bring together different interests and develop viable solutions.
The new regulation will be tested in practice
According to the head of the public order department, the planned regulations should create a significantly clearer basis than the regulation that was in effect before May 2025.
While enforcement will be more demanding for the city police than with a complete ban on approaching others, the precise description of permitted and prohibited behaviors, along with the new spatial restrictions, will maintain an effective basis for taking action against harassment.
“We have found a solution that respects different interests while simultaneously setting clear boundaries. The new regulation will have to be measured against this in practice,” Wandrey emphasizes.
With the approval of the city council, a proposal to amend the public safety ordinance is now available. A specific date for the new regulations to come into effect has not yet been announced.
The most important changes at a glance
Decision: The city council approves a proposal for new regulations on November 4, 2026.
Previous regulation: Since May 2025, a general ban on actively soliciting people while begging.
Planned for the future: A single, calm and factual approach should again be permitted.
Still prohibited: Aggressive, intrusive and persistent begging
Also prohibited: repeatedly addressing the same person, physical approach, restraining, and insulting.
New restricted areas: ATMs, parking ticket machines, entrances to shops and supermarkets, and managed outdoor areas.
Begging with children and animals, as well as organized begging, remains prohibited.
Goal: To balance the rights of needy people, protection from harassment, and a clear basis for control by the city police.
Responsible department head: Paul Georg Wandrey
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
