Panhandling In Atlanta On the Rise?

A new study commissioned by the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau says panhandling is much worse that it was just last year.

It is the daily ritual of David Rozier. Sitting on the sidewalks of Atlanta and asking for money.

"I'm just out here trying to make a living. Trying to make a life," said Rozier.

According to a new study people like David are an increasing problem for tourists.

The Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau commissioned the study. It asked 164 tourists about their experience in Atlanta. While virtually all respondents had positive comments about the city overall, when they were asked what they didn't like many mentioned the panhandlers. In fact, it came in second only to traffic.

"The comments ranged but it appears that panhandlers have become more aggressive, even since we did the study last year. Visitors talked about being confronted by people asking for money or if they looked lost offering to give them directions, but for a fee or course," said Debby Cannon, a professor at Georgia State University who led the study.

Four visitors from London who were walking downtown Monday couldn't disagree.

"I've found here in Atlanta that they seem to be a bit more aggressive than in London," said Val Stenson.

"It's a bit scary because obviously you don't know anything about these people or whether they're telling the truth," added Stenson's friend Sue Smith.

The Atlanta city council passed an ordinance three years ago banning panhandling in the so called tourist triangle, but it's definitely still occurring. 11 Alive found several. Some complain that the existing ordinance just isn't specific enough and can't really be enforced.

As for David Rozier, he says even he doesn't approve when his peers get too aggressive.

"I don't like it. Why bother someone and chase them down the road when I can sit here and if they give me something they give me something," said Rozier.

And apparently enough people still give him something, because he plans to hit the streets again tomorrow.