The Brit’s call it “flobbing” or “gobbing”, the French call it “cracher” or “broche”, but universally it’s known as disgusting. Call it what you want, spitting in public may soon be a thing worthy of a fine.
A Councillor in London, England, is looking to outlaw spitting in public. “It is my belief that most people find spitting a wholly obnoxious, filthy habit which can spread germs and causes health issues,” Councillor Chris Bond, Enfield Council’s cabinet member for environment told BBC news. “Banning spitting in Enfield will help combat tuberculosis which has been on the increase in London.”
While some are in favor of Bond’s campaign to help stop the spread of diseases, many are backing him up simply because they find spitting in public is unpleasant. But some protest that athletes and joggers don’t spit to be rude, they just need to spit out dry saliva. Others are arguing that police officers should be doing better things with their time than giving out fines for spitting.
Our advice: If you’re an athlete of any kind, you have a hall pass to spit. If you’re a pedestrian spitting on the street, perhaps refrain until you find a secret, grassy area to do the deed. Approach spitting in public like you’re hiding a secret that you really can’t leak out!
If spitting ever becomes outlawed in Canada, we’ll be sure to let you know.