There are a lot of freedoms we enjoy in this world—and in the United States in particular—that we take for granted. But then there are some freedoms we don’t even realize are freedoms. Until they’re banned in certain places.
Just for fun (and so that you don’t end up on Locked Up Abroad for having missed the memo on these bans), here’s a look at some weird things that aren’t allowed in different places around the world.
No sitting in Venice
In the latest of these puzzling prohibitions, the mayor of Venice has proposed a ban on sitting in certain public spaces around the city. Sitting on monument steps or on the portico in the famed main public square, Piazza San Marco (anglicized as St. Marks Square), is already verboten, but the new rule would make it illegal to sit or lie down on the ground in the city. If the proposal passes a vote this month, perpetrators could be fined anywhere from 50-500 euro ($58-$580). Why are they doing this? To clamp down on unmannered tourists. So don’t be one of them.
No frowning in Milan
Italy, it seems, is on a roll when it comes to odd rules designed to keep things in order. In Milan, frowning is against the law. Yes, frowning. And yes, for real. Apparently, during the Austro-Hungarian Empire days (1867-1918), Milan instituted a rule requiring citizens to smile at all times, save for at funerals or in hospitals. It was supposed to be a way to bring prominence to the city. Though it’s no longer enforced, the law still technically stands. Weird as it might be, I find it kind of charming.
No chewing gum in Singapore
Fed up of finding chewing gum in all the places you find chewing gum—on sidewalks, in mailboxes, on elevator buttons, on subway door sensors, which prevents the doors from functioning properly and, ultimately, disrupts train services, Singapore made chewing gum illegal. It can’t even be imported into the country, though exceptions are made for chewing because of therapeutic or dental reasons, or because of a nicotine addiction, but the gum must be purchased from a doctor or registered pharmacist.
No high heels in Ancient Greece
At certain historic sites in Greece, like the Odeon in Athens, women (men either if they’re so inclined) can’t wear high heels to visit the monuments because the heels were found to be damaging the already delicate relics. You can’t chew gum at some of these sites either. I’d say you can thank the lawmakers on this one for saving you from looking ridiculous trying to traverse an ancient ruin in three-inch Jimmy Choos anyway.
No urinating in the ocean in Portugal
Seemingly silly or not, it’s against the law to pee in the sea in Portugal. They had the right idea on this one, if only it were much, much more enforceable.
No bikinis off the beach in Barcelona
In another attempt to rein in unruly tourists (are you sensing a trend here? Don’t go to other people’s countries and be uncouth), Barcelona put a ban on wearing bathing suits outside of the beach. The ban came as a result of fed up residents sick of seeing tourists traipsing about in swimsuits eating, shopping and strolling the streets. Fines for it can run up to 300 euro ($346).
No honking in New York
This one is hilarious in all its irony. In New York City, a place where honking happens 24-hours a day and every day of the week—for reasons ranging from: move out of my way or I’m going to hit you/run you over, to you’re an ass, to ay, there’s a halal cart crossing what you want me to do?!—it’s actually illegal to honk your car horn for a non-emergency. But apparently, “emergency” is loosely defined and tickets for the offense are loosely doled out.
No feeding pigeons in San Francisco
If you have little ones, or are inclined to feed the birdies the crumbs of your clam chowder bread bowl, don’t do it: feeding pigeons on the streets or sidewalks of San Francisco is against the law. Please, help the good citizens of the city fight their pigeon overpopulation problem.
No camouflage in the Caribbean
The camo trend may have been cool at one time or another, but if you’re still hanging onto it or think you’re taking the American Halloween tradition to the Caribbean, you’ll probably want to think again. In most of these tropical isles, like Trinidad & Tobago, St. Lucia, Jamaica and Barbados to name just some, it’s illegal for anyone who’s not acting military personnel to wear camouflage of any kind.
No getting drunk in Alaskan bars
If you’re headed to Alaska and plan on frequenting bars, watch your alcohol intake. In the state, where alcoholism has been a problem, it’s illegal to be drunk in bar. Tipsy shouldn’t do you in, it’s belligerent that’s banned. Keep it together.