Guangzhou will implement a regulation to enhance the management of beggars and ban begging in some areas in April.

But the rule will also require police and urban administrators to help those in need.

Begging and sleeping in the open will be prohibited from main roads, footbridges, underground tunnels, government buildings, schools, consulate areas and tourist sites.

Other prohibited areas are hospitals, bus stops, wharves, the airport, markets, shops, parks, cinemas, entertainment venues, sports venues and exhibition centers.

Beggars who accost people aggressively and those who sleep in the open will be punished according to the State statute on public order.

Kidnapping or forcing children to beg will also be cracked down on.

Police and urban administrators have been asked to take underage beggars without guardians to relief centers.

Beggars who are seriously ill, have mental disorders or have contracted infectious disease should be reported to or escorted to hospitals or relief centers.

(Shenzhen Daily March 24, 2004)