If you were thinking of taking a romantic break or honeymoon in Moscow, think again because the city’s mayor is reportedly on the verge on banning kissing in public.
According to the online news provider Ananova, the Russian newspaper Stolichnaya Gazeta reports that mayor Yuri Luzhkov wants the new rule to be in place by New Year.
A spokesman for the mayor’s office is reported as saying: “We plan to implement this as soon as possible to clamp down on such distasteful behaviour. The aim of the kissing law is to introduce a more moral climate into the everyday life of our capital city.”
The website reports that the new law, which will authorise police officers to stop any public kissing they may experience, will go to the final vote on 7 January.
It goes on to state that first offenders will be warned and have their details taken, but repeat “offenders” will be fined. Anyone who refuses to pay the fine could even face prison.
