Arcachon, a Tourist City in Southwestern France
In France, taking off your shirt on the coast could cost you a fine of 150 euros (about 220,000 won). If caught littering cigarette butts on the street, you could face a hefty fine of 750 euros (1.13 million won).
The southwestern French tourist city of Arcachon announced on the 19th (local time) that starting this summer, people walking around shirtless on the streets will be fined 150 euros (about 220,000 won). Although the city had previously fined for shirtlessness, this new decision raises the fine from 38 euros (50,000 won) to more than four times that amount.
Littering tissues or cigarette butts on the street results in a 750-euro (1.13 million won) fine, failing to clean up after pets also incurs a 750-euro fine, and holding parties until 4 a.m. leads to a 450-euro (680,000 won) fine. Smoking on beach umbrellas is subject to a 150-euro fine.
To publicize these policies, the city has posted posters with the slogan "Did he really do that?" throughout the streets since the end of June. Additionally, the municipal police monitoring center is enforcing these rules with 45 CCTV cameras.
The mayor of Arcachon stated, "This measure is to inform residents and visitors that certain types of behavior can be harmful to public hygiene." He added, "Public spaces are shared spaces, and seemingly minor rude behaviors are violations of the law."
Arcachon is well known as a resort in southwestern France due to its mild climate and abundant sunshine year-round. Its continuous sandy beaches allow for sunbathing as well as water sports such as windsurfing and fishing. Arcachon's oysters are a specialty recognized throughout France and worldwide. Because the temperature never drops below freezing even in the coldest winters, fresh oysters are available all year round. The city began gaining fame after Napoleon III briefly stayed there in 1863.
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