In New York City, where nearly 12,000 restaurants have been approved to offer outdoor dining, reports of diners being approached by panhandlers for money has become more widespread, reports The New York Times.
Restaurants are trying different ways to defuse these situations including hiring security guards, calling police, and relying on their employees.
One restaurateur, Stephen Werther, an owner and the chef of the West Village restaurant and the Suprema Provisions market, decided to allow the panhandlers to order what they want to eat.
“We make them food,” Werther said. “It’s created more of a community relationship with homeless people and the panhandlers, rather than an adversarial one.” Full Story
Related: Outdoor Seating Should Become NYC Fixture: Panel; Vaccination Requirement to Take Effect in Seattle.