French student fined in Singapore for licking vending machine straw

A French student studying in Singapore has been fined for a prank that disrupted public order: licking a straw and returning it to a vending machine dispenser. The 19-year-old student, who attends the ESSEC Business School, pleaded guilty to the offense and was ordered to pay a fine of S$600, equivalent to approximately 400 euros.

The incident occurred in March when the student pulled a straw from a fresh orange juice vending machine, licked it, and then placed it back into the dispenser. He recorded this act for his Instagram story. An employee of the vending machine operator discovered the viral video and reported it to the police, leading to the replacement of all 500 straws in the machine.

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He had also threatened with a prison sentence.

While the financial damage was minimal, amounting to only S$5 (about 3.30 euros) for the straws, the act caused significant public attention in Singapore. The student faced potential jail time or a heavier fine for disturbing public order, but his remorseful attitude in court reportedly influenced the judge's decision. His lawyer stated that the student now understands the serious consequences of seemingly harmless actions.

Singapore is globally recognized for its stringent laws and consistent enforcement, particularly concerning public order and cleanliness. Practices such as strict regulations on chewing gum imports are in place to maintain the city-state's high standards and prevent pollution and vandalism. It remains unclear whether the student's visa status will be affected by the conviction.

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The student had shown remorse in court, and his lawyer explained that his client had since realized that a seemingly harmless and playful action could have far-reaching consequences.