BURLINGTON -- Burlington panhandlers discovered that their First Amendment rights were protected Monday, after city officials revised the old begging law.

The city had supported a total ban on panhandling, but a U.S. Supreme Court ruling stated that it was illegal to prohibit a person's right to ask for money because it infringes on their freedom of speech.

Despite the new law, there are certain restrictions. The law bans aggressive panhandling and allows police to take action if a panhandler is harassing someone.

Mayor Peter Clavelle said that panhandlers are not allowed to touch a person, yell at them for money, approach someone at the automayed teller machine, or follow them.

"I know we've looked at other municipalities that have adopted ordinances that have passed the test of the courts," Clavelle said. "Hopefully this ordinance will too."

Downtown shopper Tara Panigutti said that while it may not be easy, there is a way to deal with panhandlers.

"I think its unfortunate people have to ask for money, but if they're going to all you have to say is no and walk away," Panigutti said.

Clavelle said that the law was changed to avoid complaints and a posible court date.