B. Begging

B. Begging 

Under section 26A of the Summary Offences Ordinance (Cap. 228), a person commits an offence if he wanders abroad, or places himself in any public place, street or waterway, to beg or gather alms. It is also an offence to cause, procure or encourage a child to do so. 

On a first or second conviction, the penalty is a fine of $2,000 and imprisonment for 1 month. On a third or subsequent conviction, the penalty is a fine of $2,000 and imprisonment for 12 months. 

Aggravated begging 

Under section 26B of the Summary Offences Ordinance, a person commits an offence if he asks for alms in a threatening or insolent manner, or continues to ask for alms from a person after being required to stop.  

On a first or second conviction, the penalty is imprisonment for three months. On a third or subsequent conviction, the penalty is imprisonment for 18 months.