The Dutch retail association is calling for a nationwide ban on begging in shopping areas because of the problems beggars cause for both shop owners and members of the public.

In addition, allowing begging spoils the atmosphere in high streets, news agency ANP quoted Detailhandel Nederland as saying.

Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague already have a ban in place and Utrecht has recently sounded the alarm, prompting the retail lobby group to call for councils all over the country to follow suit.

The ban would not apply to street musicians or homeless people selling Z magazine.