UKMERGĖ, Lithuania — In a bid to clean up the streets of Ukmergė, the local government has passed an anti-begging law that carries a heavy 2,000 litai (€579) fine for asking people for money on the street.

The new rule comes under the newly passed “Ukmergė municipal land-use planning and cleanliness rules.”

Senior councilor Stasys Jackūnas said he was tired of being stopped at the entrance to the market and the bus station.

“If I have insisted that I won’t give the beggar money, he could accuse me of harassment. Now with the ban on begging from the local government, I can fight this phenomenon, ” Jackūnas told local media.

Complaints and reports regarding begging will be considered by a municipal commission of administrative offenses, which will decide what penalty to deal out. Beggars will be able to appeal the fine.