Canada Town to Fine Residents for Spitting in Public

A Canadian town adopted a measure in late February that would fine residents for unseemly behavior, according to a report.

Residents of Taber, Alberta can now be fined 75 Canadian dollars [$59] for spitting in public or on someone else’s private property, the Lethbridge Herald reports. Shouting and cursing in public could prompt a ticket of 150 Canadian dollars [$119].

Many residents are concerned about another section of the new bylaw, which says that a gathering of three or more people could be fined 250 Canadian dollars [$198] if an officer determines that the group intends to disturb the peace.

Despite controversy, Taber’s mayor, Henk De Vlieger, said he still supports the measure.

“I’m not saying this thing is perfect, but I think we should give it a chance and try it out, and let the police work with it,” he said, according to the Lethbridge Herald. “After a period of time, we might make some adjustments, but let’s see how it works.”

[Lethbridge Herald]