A London council is spending £30,000 every year trying to clean pavements and buildings stained by a reddish-brown substance from people spitting out a stimulant known as paan. The unsightly rust-coloured marks, a mix of saliva and chewed paan, are blighting streets in Wembley, north-west London, where the substance is commonly used.
What is Paan and Why is it a Problem?
Paan is a preparation containing betel nut, tobacco, and spices wrapped in a leaf. It has been used for centuries in some South East Asian communities as a palate cleanser or breath freshener, but it also provides a stimulant or narcotic effect. The major issue for local authorities arises when users spit it out, leaving stubborn, discoloured stains on public infrastructure.
Brent Council has declared it is now taking a 'zero-tolerance' approach to the problem. The authority stated that even high-powered cleaning jets struggle to remove the marks, and the issue is causing 'serious health and environmental damage'.
Fines, Health Warnings and Political Criticism
Enforcement officers will patrol hotspot areas, and perpetrators could be handed a fixed penalty notice of up to £100. As part of a broader public health scheme to tackle tobacco, smoking, and paan, residents will also be offered one-to-one support to help them quit.
The health risks are significant. Cancer Research UK warns that chewing paan with tobacco raises the risk of oral cancer, gum disease, and heart problems, with dangers comparable to cigarette smoking. Dr Shazia Siddiqi, Brent's clinical lead for primary and community care, highlighted the direct impact: 'We see patients with oral health issues linked to paan use.' She noted that regular use is linked to oral and oesophageal cancers, recurrent mouth ulcers, bleeding gums, and a weakened immune system.
The Labour-run council has put up warning banners in three hotspots and is working with faith and community groups, hosting workshops in mosques and temples. However, the local Liberal Democrats have criticised the move. Leader Paul Lorber said: 'People in Wembley, Alperton and Sudbury have been dealing with disgusting chewing tobacco-spitting on our streets for years, while [the council] looked the other way.' He labelled the crackdown as 'far too little, far too late'.
A United Front Against Spitting
Despite the political criticism, council cabinet members have presented a united front. Neil Nerva, cabinet member for community health and wellbeing, said: 'Paan spitting is not just unpleasant - it's harmful, costly, and unacceptable. You are playing with your health, messing with your streets.'
Krupa Sheth, cabinet member for public realm and enforcement, issued a direct warning: 'I am delighted that we continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to those who ruin our streets... Don't mess with Brent, because we will catch you and fine you.' The council's multifaceted campaign aims to protect public health and restore clean streets in Wembley.
