A proposal to severely restrict panhandling in the City of Pittsburgh was introduced in City Council today.

The ordinance would allow panhandling in public areas like alleys, bridges, driveways, parking lots and entrances to buildings and dwellings, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. during daylight-saving time, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during standard time.

It would ban all night-time panhandling. Solicitation near sidewalk cafes, street food vendors, bus stops, automated teller machines, and lines of people waiting for admission or tickets to events would be illegal at any time.

Panhandlers would be barred from a variety of "aggressive" actions. Violations would be punishable by a $25 fine for first and second offenses and a $50 fine for subsequent offenses in the same year.

The ordinance's definition of panhandling includes all requests for donations, including those by religious groups and community organizations. Busking -- defined as the public provision of entertainment without a vocal request for money -- would be expressly permitted.

A final vote could come within two weeks.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.