Italy to slap tourists with fine upto Rs 50,000 for bad behaviour

Italy has implemented a series of fines targeting tourists who disregard local rules. The city of Venice has published a list of new rules and “unacceptable behaviour” on its official government website in hopes of curbing some of these offences.

“Current regulations enforced by the Venice City Council Municipal Police forbid certain behaviour, in order to preserve urban cleanliness and landscape, and also for reasons of safety and public hygiene,” the website states. “The violation of such regulations involves the application of administrative fines — from €25 to €500 (Rs 2,541 to Rs 50,822).”

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These fines are part of a broader trend in Europe and beyond as this summer, the continent is cracking down on unruly holidaymakers. From wearing flip flops while driving to smoking on beaches, a new wave of tourist fines is sweeping the continent. In Portugal's popular seaside town of Albufeira, wearing swimwear off the beach could cost you up to €1,500 (Rs 1,52,109). In Spain's Balearic Islands – including Mallorca and Ibiza – public drinking fines can reach €3,000 (Rs 3,04,218). Even small infractions, like reserving a sunbed and disappearing, could put a dent in your holiday budget.

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At first glance, these measures might seem like biting the hand that feeds, since many of these destinations earn a significant amount of money from tourism. But authorities say the rules are aimed at protecting residents – and responsible holidaymakers.

As per a Travel+Leisure report, here are the new rules to avoid a fine in Venice:

• No consuming food and drink while sitting on the ground, or while sitting or lying on banks and foundations, monuments, bridges, steps, puteals (wellheads) and high-water walkways: Fine: €100 to €200 (about Rs 10,164 to Rs 20,329)
• No bathing, diving, or swimming in the canals: Fine: €350 (Rs 35,575)
• No littering or dumping trash in public areas: Fine: €350 (Rs 35,575)
• Do not walk around bare-chested or in swimwear: Fine: €250 (Rs 25,411)