French teenager fined in Singapore for straw-licking prank

A French teenager was fined in Singapore on Thursday after pleading guilty to a public nuisance charge stemming from a “straw‑licking” stunt that attracted attention on the island’s streets. The incident, which took place in the Orchard Road area, involved the young man repeatedly licking a plastic straw in a public space, an act that authorities deemed to disturb the orderly environment mandated by Singapore’s strict public order laws.

The court found the teenager’s conduct to be a violation of the Public Order Act, which prohibits any act that causes a nuisance or attracts public attention in a disruptive manner. He was fined SGD 1,500 (approximately US $1,100) and ordered to attend a public safety education program. The prosecution noted that such behavior, while seemingly harmless, contravenes Singapore’s zero‑tolerance policy toward public disorder and could set a precedent for further disturbances.

This case highlights Singapore’s continued emphasis on maintaining public decorum, especially in high‑traffic commercial districts. Law enforcement officials reiterated that any act deemed to disrupt public peace will be met with swift legal action, underscoring the city‑state’s commitment to upholding its stringent public order standards.