Friday Funny: Spit City

Officials in Sarasota, Florida have thrown out a 100-year old rule against spitting in public, despite some concerns about public health.

1 minute read

December 19, 2008, 2:00 PM PST

By Nate Berg

"For the past century it has been illegal to spit on the streets, sidewalks, floors or stairways of any public space in the city limits, but no more."

"City commissioners voted 4-1 on Monday to rescind a law that dated back to 1908, when public health issues lead many cities to adopt similar prohibitions."

"It is still illegal to spit on sidewalks and other public spaces in many cities, including New York City, but these laws are seldom enforced."

"Commissioner Ken Shelin was the sole no vote on the repeal."

"Shelin said the "pathogenic organisms responsible for contagious diseases have not suddenly learned to be ladies and gentlemen," and that his background in public health would not allow him to vote in favor of this repeal."

FULL STORY: Sarasota legalizes spitting

Friday, December 19, 2008 in Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Government / Politics Florida Public Health Public Space Sarasota

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