Chewing gum and cigarette ends could prove costly in Prague

In summer a new regulation came into force in Prague banning people from throwing cigarette ends or spitting out chewing gum in the street.

The punishment for doing so is relatively harsh with an on-the-spot fine of up to 1,000 crowns, potentially three times higher if the matter goes to court.

The new regulation does not cover just cigarette ends and chewing gum. Culprits will be liable to pay a fine for feeding animals in the street, with pigeons coming in for particular attention. Dog owners will also be penalised if their pet fouls the pavement. The drive to make the city a cleaner place also means fines for drivers who spread mud or other dirt on the pavement with their tires when driving away from building sites. The regulation also requires event organisers to ensure they provide a sufficient number of rubbish bins and to remove them after the event has ended.

The municipal police have the task of enforcing the regulation. Officers are already making sure dog owners clean up after their animals and stopping passengers from smoking at bus and tram stops.