Atlanta police, city officials cracking down on roadside water sales (Columbus: insurance, how much)

[Chas863]

Originally Posted by markjames68

You’re assuming the bottles are sealed and that they just didn’t refill empties like I’ve seen done in India.

Selling water is one thing...I used to hate the squeegee men in NY where you’d pay them to NOT touch your car.

Right on! I tried to "rep" you again, but they said I had to spread it around.

Selling water to people stopped at an intersection is simply veiled extortion. It doesn't take an Einstein to figure out that people who don't buy water (or whatever the perps may be peddling) is in danger of having their car damaged (scratched, dented, wipers broken, or whatever) if they don't "buy" the water.

It's not entrepreneurship on the part of the young kids, it's a thinly disguised racket of extorting money from passing motorists. Anyone who doesn't recognize this has their head up a dark place.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by Chas863

Selling water to people stopped at an intersection is simply veiled extortion. It doesn't take an Einstein to figure out that people who don't buy water (or whatever the perps may be peddling) is in danger of having their car damaged (scratched, dented, wipers broken, or whatever) if they don't "buy" the water.

It's not entrepreneurship on the part of the young kids, it's a thinly disguised racket of extorting money from passing motorists. Anyone who doesn't recognize this has their head up a dark place.

That is a question I have. How do these young men know who might want water and who doesn't? My guess is that the vast majority of people are fine without it.

[Redlionjr]

Originally Posted by Chas863

Right on! I tried to "rep" you again, but they said I had to spread it around.

Selling water to people stopped at an intersection is simply veiled extortion. It doesn't take an Einstein to figure out that people who don't buy water (or whatever the perps may be peddling) is in danger of having their car damaged (scratched, dented, wipers broken, or whatever) if they don't "buy" the water.

It's not entrepreneurship on the part of the young kids, it's a thinly disguised racket of extorting money from passing motorists. Anyone who doesn't recognize this has their head up a dark place.

So homeless who ask for money and try to sell water in any city across America should be locked up as well for veiled extortion?

[markjames68]

Originally Posted by Redlionjr

So homeless who ask for money and try to sell water in any city across America should be locked up as well for veiled extortion?

Locked up for selling water? No.

But anyone walking into traffic to peddle or ask for money is a safety hazard.

And anyone who demands money, becomes violent or lays a hand on my property if I don’t do what they want should be cited, and yes, if appropriate, locked up.

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by markjames68

Locked up for selling water? No.

But anyone walking into traffic to peddle or ask for money is a safety hazard.

And anyone who demands money, becomes violent or lays a hand on my property if I don’t do what they want should be cited, and yes, if appropriate, locked up.

Especially the kids who are brandishing, pointing, or shooting people with guns. It is unacceptable and a huge danger to everyone.

[paul2016]

I just don’t understand why anyone would think this is ok? Begging at intersections as well, no it’s just not ok.

[Chas863]

Originally Posted by arjay57

That is a question I have. How do these young men know who might want water and who doesn't? My guess is that the vast majority of people are fine without it.

Please read my post again. They DO NOT CARE who wants water! It's not about selling water! Their M.O. is somewhere being a beggar and a robber... depending on the individual you encounter. They just want your money, and are willing to intimidate you to get it... and perhaps even damage your vehicle if they don't.

[JC84]

Originally Posted by Hokiehaven

They have not, and I'm white, so I don't know what everyone else is doing to instigate problems.

I have seen these for probably a year around Midtown and have had no issues at all.

I haven't had any negative experiences with the kids in Midtown, the ones I experienced as causing problems are in Southwest Atlanta/East Point

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by Chas863

Please read my post again. They DO NOT CARE who wants water! It's not about selling water! Their M.O. is somewhere being a beggar and a robber... depending on the individual you encounter. They just want your money, and are willing to intimidate you to get it... and perhaps even damage your vehicle if they don't.

Well, it seems to me that in at least in some cases there is an element of intimidation involved. Most people, if they want water, will simply stop and get water.

Coming up to someone out of the blue and saying, "Hey, how about you paying me for some water right now?" is bordering on the invasive.

[markjames68]

Originally Posted by arjay57

Coming up to someone out of the blue and saying, "Hey, how about you paying me for some water right now?" is bordering on the invasive.

I’d say that’s crossed over the line of being invasive.