[Sleeping Beauty]

I'm not sure what to think.

At first glance, I like the sloppiness crackdown. What about you?

[dfwgator]

Guess he won't be visiting Venice anytime soon.

[BenLurkin]

Was in Venice Easter week.

It was overcrowded and yes the trash bins were overflowing.

Worst of all were the “gypsy” vendors (Africans actually) who placed blankets laden with knock-off purses and cheap sunglasses wherever they could block foot traffic. They were a rough looking bunch and I didn;t want to cross them, but after a while we had no choice but to walk right over their wares.

[trimom]

I kinda like it too. I want to smack people here who drop trash two steps from a garbage can. All part of the general coarsening of society, in my opinion.

[traviskicks]

Libertarian ping! To be added or removed from my ping list freepmail me or post a message here.

[Sleeping Beauty]

More on this story in Stars and Stripes.

In an effort to reduce the trash left in the famous square and protect the environment, the city is introducing a series of regulations for St. Mark’s and the surrounding area. They include:

No eating;
No drinking;
No sitting;
No littering;
No beach wear (keep your shirt on);
No sleeping or camping;
No wandering pets;
No biking, roller-blading or scootering;
No graffiti

Six people hired by the city, dubbed “decency patrols” by at least one Italian publication, will start patrolling the area in June. Their mission, Vianello said, will be to nicely remind people to follow the rules.

Local police will be called to deal with those who don’t obey.

[Sax]

Muriel! Call my travel agent and book me on the next flight to Venice!

[Ditter]

I am all for cracking down on litterers of all kinds. I include the pigeons in that, they should be trapped and gassed. Pigeons are a nasty disease spreading nuisance.

[DreamsofPolycarp]

I can’t see how they tell the difference, to tell the truth. Italy is probably the filthiest country I have ever visited.

[pro libertate]

I’m happy with the crackdown on littering, etc. However, I will miss being able to stroll around the square eating a small lemon gelato.

[rawhide]

This is good policy. I agree with this.

[SunkenCiv]

Travel advisory.

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[blam]

You guys can have it, I’d rather be out in the woods any day.

[YOUGOTIT]

Bravo! It needs to be done in more cities in Italy.

[nicollo]

I like the rules at the Duomo in Florence:

No ice cream, no cell phones, no smoking, and no dogs, but thou mayest pick thy nose.