Local businesses in Albuquerque are fed up with aggressive panhandlers, saying that their tactics are impacting revenue and making their customers feel uncomfortable.
One restaurant employee said their presence is ruining customers' dining experience.
“That’s not what a restaurant is for,” the employee told KRQE. “I think that is the most uncomfortable part. You come to a restaurant to enjoy your meal to get great service. What do you have? You don’t come to a restaurant to become the direct service provider for somebody.”
A federal court judge ruled in 2019 that Albuquerque’s criminal panhandling ordinance was illegal to stop people from panhandling on public streets, but it did not apply to private property. Restaurants like Golden Pride on Central and 53rd Street have put up signs asking customers not to give money to panhandlers. Businesses say they often return to harass more customers.
A restaurant employee along Central near the University of New Mexico told KRQE that there have been instances where panhandlers have tried taking food off of tables and even asked customers for money and food.
"It’s a little sketchy on this side,” one customer, Jaelyn Shiplet said. “When you are on Central, you see a lot of homeless people. You have to watch out for yourself.”
Some customers and business owners have asked for law enforcement to address panhandlers, the KRQE report said. People can call 311 and request Albuquerque Community Safety, which handles calls regarding people experiencing mental health, substance abuse and homelessness.