"Pour Out Your Coffee? Pay a 300,000 Won Fine"... Controversy Over Penalty for a Sip

London Woman Fined Over a Sip of Coffee Sparks Controversy
Fine Canceled After Local Council Review

A woman in London, England was fined 150 pounds (approximately 290,000 won) for pouring leftover coffee into a drain on her way to work. However, after public outcry and a review by the local council, the fine was ultimately canceled.

According to The Guardian, BBC, and other sources on October 23 (local time), Burcu Yesilyurt, a resident of the Kew area in West London, was caught by three enforcement officers near Richmond Station on October 10 while preparing for work.

Yesilyurt explained the situation, saying, "I saw the bus approaching and poured a little leftover coffee from my reusable cup," and added, "There was really only a small amount left." She continued, "As soon as I turned around, three enforcement officers chased after me and immediately stopped me." She also said, "I was only trying to avoid spilling coffee on the bus, and I had no idea it was illegal to pour liquid into a drain," adding, "The officers' approach was quite shocking."

The enforcement officers cited Yesilyurt for violating Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA), which prohibits disposing of waste in ways that could pollute land or water.

Yesilyurt asked whether there were any signs providing legal guidance on this matter, but it was reported that the officers did not provide any information. She said, "They didn't give me an answer," and added, "It was quite intimidating, and I was shaking afterward."

When she asked how to properly dispose of leftover coffee, the officers reportedly instructed her to use a nearby trash bin. Yesilyurt expressed her dissatisfaction, saying the fine was excessive.

The Richmond local council initially justified the enforcement as "actions in line with policy," but after continued criticism, they reviewed the situation by checking the officers' bodycam footage from the incident. On the afternoon of the 22nd, the council informed Yesilyurt by email that the penalty notice had been canceled.

The city council stated, "No citizen wants to receive a fine, and we strive to apply policies fairly and reasonably," adding, "Penalty notices that have been unfairly issued can be appealed for review."