City officials banned unregistered charitable groups from feeding homeless people in parks downtown, arguing that transients who gather for weekly meals create safety and sanitary problems for businesses.

The measure, approved Monday, prevents serving large groups in parks and other public property within two miles of City Hall without a permit. The ordinance also said groups can only distribute food twice a year at Lake Eola.

Each week, several groups travel to Lake Eola in Orlando to provide food for the homeless. However, the feeding sessions prompted concern from some local businesses and residents that they can lead to a spike in crime.

City Commissioner Patty Sheehan pushed for the ordinance after complaints from business owners and residents that homeless people were causing problems at a downtown park popular with joggers and dog walkers.

The ordinance said the groups would have to pay for security and cleanup at approved feeding events.

A group called Food Not Bombs, which has served weekly vegetarian meals to homeless people for more than a year there, said it would continue illegally.

Robin Stotter, who is opening a restaurant downtown, said he would support homeless people by pledging money for food and shelter, but supported the ordinance.

"The homeless issue is not going to be solved today," he said. "It's a safety issue, and the public deserves a safe place to be."

Two of the city's five commissioners voted against the ordinance -- including Robert Stuart, the head of a homeless shelter.

Stuart said the city was moving to "criminalize good-hearted people."

"We're putting a Band-Aid on a critical problem," said Commissioner Sam Ings, the other opposing vote.

The American Civil Liberties Union is threatening to sue the city of Orlando over the decision, Local 6 News has learned.

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