Begging Permit?

In Bluefield, West Virginia, begging is unlawful as an occupation unless you get a permit to solicit donations. (Code Section 14-7) The next section of the municipal code (14-8) provides, however, that this does not apply to "any handicapped person who followed the occupation of beginning(sic) in the city regularly and continually prior to April 14, 1959."

These ordinances were passed in 1961, and left a few questions. I wonder who the handicapped beggar was that the city fathers wanted to protect? Besides, how much does a begging permit cost? Is a beggar considered a professional fund raiser? What if he's not good at it? Is he an amateur beggar if he doesn't actually get any donations? He would still need a permit, since he is soliciting donations, but probably would not have the money for a permit. So is he violating the law if he begs for the money to buy a begging permit? Enquiring minds . . . probably couldn't care much less, truth be told.