The Brent Liberal Democrats have described the announcement as “far too little, far too late”, claiming they have long been calling for action to be taken.
Their leader Paul Lorber said: “We demanded more enforcement in hotspot areas where spitting often takes place, and have even pushed for a ban on chewing tobacco because of the health dangers and the mess it leaves everywhere.”
Krupa Sheth, cabinet member for the environment on Brent Council, said: “I am delighted that we continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to those who ruin our streets; that includes those that spit out paan and stain street furniture.
“Don’t mess with Brent, because we will catch you and fine you.”
Studies from the World Health Organization have shown betel to be carcinogenic, external, and so capable of raising the risk of cancer even without the tobacco seen in paan.
