00:00Visitors to Birmingham City Centre are used to seeing triders, street performers and charity
00:06collectors along busy shopping streets. But the council says some of these activities
00:11have created an intimidating atmosphere for shoppers, workers and visitors. It proposes
00:16a Public Spice Protection Order, or PSPO, to tackle what it calls anti-social behaviour.
00:22If approved, the order would give enforcement teams more power to stop unlicensed street
00:27trading, peddling and charity fundraising in areas like New Street. The council says
00:32complaints have increased about illegal traders selling goods from trolleys or setting up
00:37makeshift stalls. Some services like Punch the Bag or Lift the Weight challenges have
00:42also been flagged for blocking pedestrian areas and attracting large crowds. There are
00:47also concerns about aggressive charity collections. Under the new rules, anyone asking for cash
00:53or digital donations without permission from the council could be stopped. However, charities,
00:58religious groups and political campaigners would still be allowed to operate, as long
01:02as they don't cause obstructions or pressure passers-by. The Retail Business Improvement
01:08District say some street sellers are harassing shoppers, particularly those selling perfumes
01:13and aftershaves from bags. The council says some of its own officers have faced abuse
01:18when trying to clamp down on illegal traders. Supporters of the proposals say the new rules
01:23could make the city centre a more cipher and welcoming place, but there are questions about
01:28how the PSPO would be enforced and whether it could impact legitimate traders. If approved,
01:34the order would be in place for three years. A public consultation on the plans is open
01:39until April 30th, giving people the chance to have their say.
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