Starting Sunday, panhandling on public property will be “temporarily unlawful” within 50 feet from the entrance of essential retail, commercial business, restaurant and food service establishments in the City of Miami Beach. The new restrictions come with concerns about the coronavirus and are part of the “Phase 1 Reopening Order” signed by City Manager Jimmy Morales. This restriction makes it illegal for anyone experiencing homelessness to ask for money or food anywhere near the entrance of a business.

Although panhandling bans are usually struck down on free-speech grounds and the government’s inability to enforce them, COVID-19 allows a strong case for the ban in the name of public health. The ban will last 5 days in the city.