Taking the Wrong Seat in Venice Could Cost You up to $650

To curb tourists from behaving badly in the ancient city of Venice, Italy, the Italian government may charge visitors who plop themselves in the wrong spot around $650. The new ban, which will be voted upon, is part of a wider effort to prevent tourists from causing destruction with their poor behavior.

The idea is the brainchild of Mayor Luigi Brugnaro who says that the growing number of tourists can hurt the city’s fragile infrastructure.

If the law is to pass, tourists will be told to either move on or receive a fine beginning at $60.  But don’t worry, signs would designate where it is OK to sit or not sit.

This is not the only effort that the city is taking to ensure the survival of the city. There have been many efforts as part of the #EnjoyRespectVenezia campaign.

The mayor has banned fast food outlets from opening in the city for the next three years, while outrage ensued when the mayor decided that tourists and locals needed to be separated (causing even more chaos during the May Day weekend). Turnstiles were also added to curb the amount of people entering smaller streets and bridges, locals tore them down in an apparent protest. Additionally, larger cruise ships, beginning in 2021, will not be allowed to dock in Venice’s harbor. [TheIndependent]