Venice threatens to ban misbehav ing tourists

Tourists who misbehave in Venice will be hit with decrees banning them from the city in the latest effort to maintain decorum among the millions of visitors who descend on the World Heritage attraction. Visitors who swim in Venice’s canals, wander around shirtless or loll on the steps of stone bridges will be fined up to 500 euros ($750). The new sanctions were approved by Venice city council with an overwhelming majority on Thursday, with 22 councillors voting in favour and just six against. The authorities take a dim view of a range of inconsiderate behaviours, from lying down on public benches, eating and drinking while sitting on the ground, leaning against shop fronts and sitting on the steps of Venice’s distinctive cylindrical stone wells. Minor infractions will be met with fines starting at 25 euros, while more serious offences will lead to the maximum 500 euros penalty. Tourists who behave really badly could be banned from Venice altogether. Venice is working on the introduction of a tourist tax, which is expected to be implemented from September.