A clip that reveals paan stains in the London streets has triggered outrage, with some attributing the mess to migrant communities. Viral online footage reveals red marks on dustbins and roads in the Harrow borough of London.
Stains Spotted in Harrow Borough
As reported in Harrow Online, the stains are particularly prominent in North Harrow and Rayners Lane. People who live in the Rayners Lane area claim that such stains have become increasingly prevalent especially outside takeaway restaurants and shops that sell chewing tobacco goods and gutka.
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Gutka is a tobacco chewing product commonly used in India and other subcontinent nations. It is a commercially prepared combination that is usually made up of areca nut (commonly referred to as supari), tobacco, and sweeteners and other additives. Usually sold in small sachets, gutka is left in the mouth where it is chewed to create a mild stimulating effect.
The Problem of Paan Stains
Paan stains are the reddish-brown spots that are caused by individuals spitting out the paan or gutka chew residue. Such stains can be observed on public walls, stairs, pavements and buildings, particularly in India where gutka is highly consumed.
The popularity of gutka in India combined with the presence of a large number of Indian migrants in London has meant that many have concluded that Indians are the ones to blame for the paan stains in London.
UK Rules on Chewing Tobacco Sales
As stated by Harrow Online, there is no UK law banning the sale of chewing tobacco. But selling it is subject to strict rules on storage and sales, and their retailers are required to be registered with HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs).
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It has already been acted upon by Harrow Council, according to a Harrow Online report. Last month, officers found a huge supply of illegal items in a shop at Rayners Lane.
Six stores of illicit tobacco were discovered by officers. The items were confiscated due to “incorrect packaging and non-compliant health warnings.”
