Want to keep your business free from unsavory characters? Pump up the music.
The owner of a 7-11 in the Central California city of Modesto says he has found a way to stop people from panhandling or loitering outside his store; classical music. Once he started blasting symphonies and operas over the outside speakers, the crowd outside stopped coming around.
One man who is homeless says the music made it hard to hang out and gossip near the store. This is just one of the tricks 7-11 is using to discourage loitering. The company says it does not want franchise owners to put themselves in danger so it encourages non-confrontational methods.
Another example is a high-pitched screech similar to a mosquito buzzing in your ear which can be turned on and off as needed. However that might also deter customers so classical music appears to be the more popular choice among owners. The company says it is being tested in stores across the country with plans to expand.
Who knew the solution to getting people off the streets was Mozart?
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