Nizhny Novgorod residents will be fined for begging in public places.

      On July 31, 2025, at 16:44

      [205]

      Policy

      Lawmakers of the Nizhny Novgorod Region have passed a law establishing administrative responsibility for harassment of passersby with requests for money or the imposition of services. The decision was made on July 31 during a regional Legislative Assembly meeting.

      The initiative originated from deputies of the Arzamas Duma. The new law pertains to all cases where citizens encounter intrusive solicitations in public places — from begging and street fortune-telling to aggressive promotional activities.

      As explained by the Chair of the Regional Assembly, Yevgeny Lyulin, the issue has long been pressing: such behavior is particularly common in popular tourist spots, train stations, and recreational areas.

      "Until now, such cases were not covered under a specific article. They were not always classified as minor hooliganism, and there is no federal law that separately regulates responsibility for begging — except involving minors," noted Vladimir Pakov, head of the relevant committee.

      According to the legislator, the new law eliminates this gap in regional legislation.

      Amendments to the Regional Code of Administrative Offenses stipulate that if a person persists in soliciting money or imposing services (including fortune-telling) on passersby in public places, they can be held accountable. Following an agreement with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, police officers will have the authority to draw up protocols, and cases will be forwarded to court. A fine will be imposed for such actions.

      Yevgeny Lyulin emphasized that this is not only about the comfort of citizens but also about the reputation of the region:

      "We are investing substantial funds in tourism development. But it is hard to talk about hospitality when tourists are met at every corner by beggars and street performers. The new law clearly defines what is permissible in public spaces and protects the right to peaceful leisure."

      According to him, the Nizhny Novgorod Region followed the example of several other regions where similar measures have already proven effective — including Moscow, Yaroslavl, and Kostroma regions.

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