Residents in Leicester have expressed anger over brownish-red saliva stains on pavements, caused by the chewing and spitting of paan. The substance, a mix of betel nut, tobacco, and spices wrapped in a leaf, is chewed for its narcotic effects and leaves a rusty-coloured spit. Locals in the Melton Road area describe it as a 'recent phenomenon', with stains appearing on bins, pavements, and trees near gambling spots.
Leicester City Council launched a campaign to combat paan spitting in 2010, with fines initially set at £50 but later increased to £150. Despite this, residents report that the problem persists. Tarak Dave, 53, called for stricter punishments, saying, 'There needs to be a bigger fine. Some people don't give a damn about this place.'
Louise Fletcher, 56, said, 'I can't stand spitting. I hate the sound of it.' Another resident, Kissain, 50, who chews paan himself, noted that the issue worsens when people drink alcohol, adding, 'People have no sense. They spit everywhere.'
Local shopkeepers have taken matters into their own hands. Wissan, who runs a paan shop, placed a bin outside to encourage proper disposal. Jaydeeb, 30, owner of the Radhe Krishna store, put up signs and bins, but said, 'They just spit where they want, but what can you do?'
