Rotorua Lakes Council is considering a ban on begging in the city

Local businessman Rob Parry says he's given his staff personal panic buttons - and customers are also being pestered by growing numbers of beggars.

He says, last year, he was forced to hire security guards to protect staff and customers from abusive behaviour.

Local Democracy Reporting Service says says the potential bylaw would tackle the issue - as part of Community Safety Plan to reduce crime and offending in the city.