Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Paan Stains in London Spark Cleanliness Debate
Some people in London, especially from the Indian community, have been spitting out paan and gutka on the streets, which leaves bright red stains.
These stains are hard to clean and cost the local council a lot of money.
Many people, including other Indians, think this is messy and embarrassing.
They want the council to fine people who spit paan, with some suggesting fines as high as £1000.
The council is already taking action by patrolling these areas and fining people £100 if they catch them spitting.
Bright red paan and gutka stains are becoming a problem in Harrow and Wembley, London.
Local residents and Indians in the community find the stains 'horrendous' and 'embarrassing'.
The Brent Council spends over £30,000 annually to clean these stains.
The council has introduced a zero-tolerance policy with fines up to £100 for spitting paan.
Some locals suggest higher fines, up to £1000, to deter the behavior.
- Who
- Indian community in London, local residents, Brent Council
- What
- Paan and gutka stains on streets causing cleanliness issues
- When
- Issue highlighted in January 2026
- Where
- Harrow and Wembley, London
- Why
- Paan spitting is creating significant cleaning costs and aesthetic problems
- Location
- Harrow and Wembley, London
- Main Issue
- Paan and gutka stains on streets
- Local Reaction
- Stains described as 'horrendous' and 'embarrassing'
- Proposed Fine
- Up to £1000 for first offense
- Current Fine
- £100 by Brent Council
- Annual Cleaning Cost
- Over £30,000
- Council Action
- Zero-tolerance policy, patrolling officers