The introduction of no-begging zones in Guangzhou has met with the approval of most people.

Many people agreed with Guangzhou authorities on setting no-begging zones, but others were worried it might cause problems in areas outside the zones.

The Information Times said 80 percent of an unidentified number of people casually selected in a street survey applauded the government's plan to impose the bans this year in a bid to reduce problems caused by an increase in the number of beggars. City authorities also plan to strengthen the control of gang leaders who manipulate child beggars.

Tianhe City, a thriving commercial center, and Guangzhou Railway Station had already banned beggars, the newspaper said.

A Ms. Wang said children should be prevented from begging and sent home by the government. Homeless children should be put under government supervision.

Some people argued that beggars might flood places where begging is allowed and caused public security problems. A construction materials salesman surnamed Zhu said business in those areas could suffer.

Some cities in China have implemented regulations to prohibit beggars from some key public locations, drawing debate on the legality of the rules.

(Shenzhen Daily February 20, 2004)