Holiday hotspot bans beggars as tourists hit town

• Portofino's mayor, Matteo Viacava, introduced a decree on 19 May banning non-threatening begging in tourist areas during peak season, from 14 July to 30 September.
• Antonio Mumolo, president of Avvocato di Strada (National Association of Street Lawyers), has labelled the new rules "unlawful" and threatened legal action.
• The anti-poverty charity filed a formal notice on 26 July, giving the municipality 15 days to withdraw or amend the ordinance.
• Avvocato di Strada accused Mayor Viacava of "waging war on the poor" and punishing "the very condition of poverty", not illegal behaviour.
• The group argues that banning "non-nuisance begging" targets vulnerable people, saying it cannot be a crime in Italy to ask for food.

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Anti-poverty charity hits back after homeless people banned from Italy beauty spot