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Saturday, 29 September 2018
Venice tourists could be hit with $580 fine for sitting down
We all know being a tourist can be expensive, but in the Italian city of Venice, even just sitting down could soon cost you dearly. The city's mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, has proposed a fine of up to €500 (about $585) for anyone planting themselves down in an undesignated spot.
The proposal isn't without precedent in Venice. People are actually already prohibited from sitting in tourist hotspots St Mark's Square or the Rialto Bridge.
A representative for Brugnaro told CNN Travel the text of the ban is under discussion by the city Council and so as yet unconfirmed.
The mayor's proposal is part of the city's #EnjoyRespectVenezia campaign, which has been in full swing this summer. It's all part of a general Venetian crusade against rampant overtourism.
Visitors to Venice have been subjected to numerous other restrictions.
They're instructed to walk on the right, not to linger on bridges and not to cycle. Walking around in swimwear is also a no-no as is feeding pigeons. Less surprising are bans on littering, graffiti and placing padlocks on monuments.
Back in May, Venice went so far as to attempt to separate tourists and locals over the busy May Day weekend. The expected large crowds prompted Brugnaro to implement what he called "urgent measures to guarantee public safety, security and liveability."
Venice is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations and its narrow, historic streets can become incredibly busy. Officials fear that a growing influx of tourists negatively impacts accommodation and living conditions for locals, as well as affecting tourist's experience of the city.
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