(ECNS) -- Hangzhou, one of the most renowned tourist cities in China, has introduced a new law to control unruly behavior such as spitting or littering in public places, local news site zjol.com.cn reported.
To become effective on May 1, the ruling also forbids people form flinging cigarette butts on the ground.
Those who break the law could be fined up to 200 yuan ($30) or have their behavior recorded to affect personal credit.
While over 90 percent of people are unsatisfied with uncivilised behavior in public places, only 10 percent tried to intervene due to fear of getting into trouble, according to a survey.
The new law is expected to provide support and protection for those who dare to stand up.
An article stipulates that "people have the right to stop uncivilized behavior and are protected from being retaliated against."
To further support good samaritans, the law also made it clear that the burden of proof lies with the accuser as the county has seen cases where elderly people were suspected of swindling those who offered a helping hand.
