Smokers Face Fag Litter Fine

Another unfair blow to an already persecuted group? Or a victory for common decency and cleaner streets? Smokers in the City who flick their cigarette butts onto the floor could be fined £80 for the privilege of using the streets as their personal ashtray. A cadre of ten environmental officers will prowl the highways and byways of the Square Mile, doling out spot-fines to anybody caught shucking their ends. Ominously, these spotters will be empowered to slap a £1,000 fine on anybody caught "giving false information"; without a surveillance operation worthy of the Stasi, how will they know? Expect an increase in City puffers answering to the soubrique "Seymour Butts". (Stereotypical City smoker by Ben Hopper)