Begging alms in a public place

Under 26A of the Summary Offences Ordinance (Cap 228), any person who wanders abroad, or places himself or herself in any public place, to beg or gather alms, or causes or procures or encourages any child or children so to do, commits an offence and is liable on conviction ——

(a) for a first or second offence, to a fine of $500 and to imprisonment for 1 month; and

(b) for a third or subsequent offence, to a fine of $500 and to imprisonment for 12 months.