"Donation" water merchants

Just got back from Vegas.
There is an interesting new twist on the bottled water merchandising on the Strip sidewalks, bridges, etc.

Now they all have "DONATION" scrawled on their cardboard signs.

My nosy husband approached a few of them (YIKES!)to inquire about this:
- Do proceeds go to an actual charity?
- Is any amount acceptable in exchange for the bottle of "ice cold water"?

One very chatty gentleman said his charity is "Me, bro. At least I'm honest." He said "We have to do this [advertise as a donation] or get arrested."

Hubby asked one young lady if a quarter was sufficient "donation" for a bottle of water. She said "sure" though with some disappointment in her voice. (We didn't pursue the transaction.)

Everyone is not privileged enough to have a Las Vegas Vacation with money for hotel, food , gambling and drinking. I tend to have compassion for those that are outside hustling a dollar. I am sure some people would consider a penny a donation as well. Using the word donation does not violate any statute .I say have a heart and if any one feels like a cold ice water and decides to get a bottle from one of these people be respectful . All it takes is a few life changes and any professional person could be in the same boat. Why in the name of heaven would anyone think that the money was going to go to a charity instead of the pocket of the person selling it I will never understand.

Of course it isn't going to a charity. Husband spoke respectfully, even congenially, to those he talked to. It isn't something I would do (approach and ask) but he is more open and chatty with strangers than I am. They seemed appreciative that someone would actually have a conversation with them, not just "feel compassion" and walk on by.

A trip or two ago we saw cops arresting a guy and emptying his water bottles outside of Aria. Now they don't have to go to the trouble.

The "donation" language is intended as a dodge around the business license laws and the 8.1% sales tax imposed on merchants in Clark County.



This dodge would never hold up if prosecutors decided to charge the water sellers, something I'm sure law-abiding water merchants would appreciate. But it does at least give the sellers something to say to the judge.

They was I see it, it is much cheaper to buy a bottle for a dollar, which is the same I would tip a cocktail server in a casino (even if I am just ordering water). I hope that my dollar "donation" helps the selller in some way.

Joy

I am always happy to help out those that look genuinely in need, and would be pleased to give these guys a donation,

The stores inside the casino's are selling water for about $2.75. No thanks! I'd rather give the person on the street a buck.

They should charge all of these douche bags that are clogging up the sidewalk and breaking the law with loitering. They should do the same with the porn slappers and the guys offering those damn club passes too.

I am happy to give a buck for a bottle of water instead of the inflated resort prices.

the porn slapper problem would go away quickly if the "johns" didn't take the cards and call the #'s. i dont agree with what they do but it is still a free country.....they are just trying to subsist