Two German tourists have been fined and ordered to leave Venice after being caught brewing coffee on the steps of the Rialto Bridge.
The backpackers, aged 32 and 35 and from Berlin, were spotted using a travel cooker at the foot of the historic bridge, which is the oldest of the four bridges over the Grand Canal. A passer-by reported them to the police.
The pair were fined a total of €950 (£853) and told to leave the city. Venice has introduced a series of public order offences, including picnicking at certain sites and appearing without a shirt in public spaces.
Venice's mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, said: "Venice must be respected and those impolite people who come here and do what they want must understand that. Thanks to the local police, they will be sanctioned and removed." Those found flouting the rules will have their identities shared with the embassy of their home country.
Venetians have long complained about mass tourism in the city. Last December, Venice won approval to introduce an entry fee of up to €10 for short-stay tourists.
