Businesses call for ‘chugger’ restrictions

Business leaders in Cork have called on the Government to restrict the number of chuggers — charity collectors armed with clip- boards — who are allowed to operate on Irish streets at any one time.

The Cork Business Association (CBA) has argued for the cap in a detailed submission to Justice Minister Alan Shatter who is reviewing the 2009 Charities Act before its long-awaited implementation next year.

The CBA, which has for several years led calls for a clampdown on “chuggers” (colloquially known as charity muggers), said the review must address how many of these charity agents — many of whom adopt “aggressive selling techniques” — are allowed to operate on streets.