Venice may fine tourists for sitting at undesignated spots

Washington: If you are planning to visit the Italian city of Venice, you might have to keep some extra expense in mind. Venice might soon start charging fine up to €500 (Rs 42511.36) for sitting in random, undesignated spots.

The idea, proposed by Luigi Brugnaro, city's mayor, will be voted on by the city council in October, CNN reported.

Venice has always been a stern about its city's rules when it comes to tourism. People are already prohibited from sitting in tourist spots including St Mark's Square or the Rialto Bridge, pausing on bridges, walking around in swimwear and feeding pigeons.

These restrictions are in addition to other less surprising bans including littering, graffiti and placing padlocks on monuments.

Situated across a group of 118 small islands, Venice is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Officials are conscious about maintaining a balance between giving tourists a memorable experience of the city and taking care of the negative impacts tourism might have on accommodation and living conditions for locals.