Spit Ban

Spit Ban Tint table with the inscription "Spitting on the floor is prohibited." Courtesy of Daugyvenė Cultural History Museum & Reserve.

Tint table with the inscription "Spitting on the floor is prohibited." Courtesy of Daugyvenė Cultural History Museum & Reserve.

No Spit Zone

Do you recall the early years when smoking became forbidden in restaurants, on airplanes, or even in the kitchens of friends? During the interwar period, people took the ban on spitting just as seriously.

"It's not enough for individuals to know that spitting on the floor, in the streets, or in public areas is not allowed. Everyone must also ensure that others adhere to this rule, and demand compliance," wrote the press in 1930.

For those who didn't grasp this concept, tables with clear messages like "Spitting on the floor is prohibited" (Spiaudyti ant grindų draudžiama) were introduced to educate them. These reminders were placed in train stations, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants. Habitual spitters weren't forced to endure discomfort - special spittoons were provided for their convenience.