Beijing to punish uncouth behavior

The capital's top lawmaking body reviewed a decision on Thursday to revise a local regulation concerning the city's appearance and environmental upkeep, and it raised the fine for some uncouth, or uncivilized, behavior to 200 yuan ($28).

Sun Li, deputy chairman of the Legislative Affairs Committee of Beijing's municipal People's Congress, said people in the capital find certain behaviors deeply disgusting, such as spitting and littering.

"Harsher punishments are urgently needed," Sun said. "We decided to raise the penalty to 50 yuan for any violation, but for especially severe behavior a violator can face a fine up to 200 yuan."

The Standing Committee of the lawmaking body had twice before reviewed drafts to promote civilized behavior - in November and March.

The final version is expected to pass on Friday.