Tourists and residents have been warned against spitting on the streets of Malaga city under its updated ‘coexistence’ ordinance.
According to the document, carrying out any bodily excretion in public, from spitting, to urinating and defecating, will cost you up to €300 in sanctions.
However this figure can be increased to €1,500 if the offence is classed as more serious.
Authorities will take into account how many people were around at the time of the act and where it took place.
For example, if done in front of families and children, or at protected monuments or food markets, the fines can be expected to be increased.
The ordinance aims to ‘preserve public space as a place for meeting, coexistence and civility’, so that people can walk, relax or enjoy ‘with full respect for the dignity and rights of others’.
The text explains that individual behaviour is only classified as an offence when it affects or restricts the free exercise of other people’s rights.
When imposing sanctions, the principles of harm and minimal impact are taken into account.
The regulation also sets out fines for littering, graffiti, and failing to pick up pet waste.
