Buying counterfeit goods from unlicensed street vendors, known as ‘manteros’ or ‘top mantas,’ is now illegal in the Costa Blanca region of southeastern Spain. Police will be patrolling the streets, and those caught buying counterfeit goods will be fined €200 (around £170). This crackdown is part of a broader effort to protect local businesses and curb the sale of fake products. Similar measures have been implemented in other European cities and resorts, including Italy, where tourists who take sand home with them from beaches could face fines of up to €3,000 (£2,500).
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Venice’s new tourist tax has generated nearly €1 million in its first 11 days, but this falls short of covering the costs of the system. The daily fee is expected to rise to €10 after the trial period, and those caught without a ticket may face fines ranging from €50 to €300. Despite the revenue, many Venice residents remain dissatisfied with the initiative, particularly the associated fines.
Calgary City Council has unanimously passed a proposal to recommend doubling the fines for vehicles speeding in playground zones. The motion was tabled by Coun. Jasmine Mian, who cited concerns from parents and residents about speeding in school and playground areas. The proposal will now be discussed at the Alberta Municipalities Conference in September. If approved, the fines would increase from the current $81 minimum to a higher amount, further deterring drivers from exceeding the posted speed limit in these sensitive zones.
Majorca authorities are implementing a new Civic Ordinance to curb unacceptable behavior from tourists visiting the island. Mayor Jaime Martínez announced the measures, which aim to address excessive drinking, gambling, vandalism, and anti-social conduct. Offenders could face fines of up to £2,563 (€3,000). The ordinance is part of a wider effort to maintain the island’s image and protect its residents from disruptive behavior. Tourists are urged to be mindful of their actions and respect the local community.
A bipartisan-supported bill in the California state legislature aims to deter protesters from blocking highways by doubling fines for repeat offenses. Backers of the bill, including Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez, cite concerns about public safety and the hindrance of emergency responders during recent demonstrations. However, civil rights advocates argue that increased penalties will not suppress dissent and that peaceful protests are protected by the First Amendment.
Netflix users who enjoy live events on the streaming platform should be aware that they may need a TV Licence to avoid a hefty fine of up to £1000. Live broadcasts, whether on traditional TV channels or streaming services, require a TV Licence. This includes Netflix’s recent live broadcasts of a Chris Rock stand-up show and the Paul vs Tyson boxing match. The standard TV Licence costs £169.50 per year, while a discounted black and white licence is available for £57.
A 13-year-old Girl Scout in Wyoming was fined $400 for selling cookies in her grandparents’ driveway. The mother of the scout claims that they were following an important sidewalk rule but were fined anyway. The town of Pinedale says that the code enforcement officer warned the duo several times over the code violation before the fines were handed out.
Drivers in the UK are urged to check their Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) payment dates to avoid a hefty £1,000 fine. The DVLA has launched a free online tool that allows motorists to access their tax information and set up reminders. Failing to pay road tax can result in prosecution and a significant financial penalty. The DVLA emphasizes the importance of registering for a ‘driver and vehicles’ account to stay compliant and simplify tax renewals.
Unjust evictions and a lack of enforcement have plagued Newfoundland and Labrador’s housing market. A CBC investigation uncovered that the Residential Tenancies Act’s Section 51, which outlines fines for rule-breaking landlords and tenants, has not been effectively enforced due to a lack of accountability within the responsible department. As a result, private citizens like Caio De Naday Hornhardt, who was wrongfully evicted, have had to pursue legal action on their own to seek justice. The provincial government has finally acknowledged the issue and announced plans to hire a dedicated staffer to shepherd cases to court. However, no firm timelines for implementation have been provided, leaving housing advocates like Sherwin Flight cautiously optimistic. The government’s decision to revisit enforcement is seen as a positive step towards addressing the housing crisis in the province.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has urged motorists to check and ensure their vehicle tax status is up-to-date within five minutes. Failure to maintain proper vehicle taxation can result in fines, court action, or even vehicle seizure. The DVLA recommends using its online services to set up vehicle tax reminders and manage other tasks. Motorists can create an online account to view their driving record, check penalty points, add vehicle details, monitor MOT expiration dates, and more.