`KETCHUP' TAX MULLED TO FUND CONDIMENT CLEANUP

The historic sights of Florence need protection from tourists who leave behind mayonnaise and ketchup stains, the director of the Uffizi Galleries has said as he called for the introduction of a new tax to pay for the cleanup. The tax would be imposed on fast food outlets and snack bars that do not provide anywhere for customers to sit. Tourism in Florence is bouncing back as Italy recovers from COVID-19 and allows in EU citizens, although British tourists need to quarantine for five days on arrival. “The stains from ketchup and mayonnaise and things like that are very visible,” said Prof. Eike Schmidt. “You have to clean them very quickly, otherwise they seep into the stone. It's just an idea to help solve some of the long-standing problems which have got worse over the years.”