• Source:JND

A north-west London borough with a large South Asian heritage population has sounded an urgent alarm over the rising problem of paan chewing and spitting, calling it a growing public health hazard and an expensive civic nuisance.

Brent Council, which oversees areas such as Wembley and Ealing Road, has written to key UK government ministers seeking an immediate national ban on paan products containing tobacco or betel nut, warning that the situation has reached a point where local enforcement alone is no longer effective.

UK Council Flags ‘Escalating Issue Of Paan Spitting’

In a letter addressed to Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Public Health Ashley Dalton and Minister for Consumer Protection Kate Dearden, Brent Council detailed the scale of the crisis from streets stained in stubborn, blood-red marks to rising cancer rates linked to paan chewing. The council said the combination of betel nut, tobacco, herbs and spices, chewed and then spat out, leaves behind deep stains that even high-pressure cleaning machines fail to remove.

The authority noted that it spends over 30,000 Pounds (Rs 35 lakh) each year to clean pavements, shopfronts and public spaces tarnished by the residue of paan or gutka, a problem now visible across London. In areas such as Wembley, telephone boxes, flower beds and footpaths routinely show splashes of the dark-red mixture.

Call For National Ban, Health Concern Raises Alarm

The council warned that the public health picture has become “stark”, with over 90 cases of head and neck cancers per 100,000 residents, compared to the England-wide average of around 16. Both tobacco and betel nut are recognised carcinogens, and prolonged paan chewing significantly increases the risk of oral and oesophageal cancers.

“This is not about targeting communities, but addressing behaviours that harm public health,” said Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Enforcement. “When pavements are stained and criminal supply chains thrive, residents pay the price.”

Brent Council has asked the government to prohibit the sale of paan containing tobacco or betel nut, crack down on illegal supply networks and fund a pilot programme to boost the capacity of enforcement teams. Despite years of awareness campaigns and on-ground action, the council says it has “hit the limit” of what it can achieve without national intervention.

As part of its crackdown, the borough has installed banners in hotspots alerting residents to penalties for spitting and has stepped up patrols by enforcement teams. Offenders now risk fines of up to 100 Pounds (Rs 12,000).

ALSO READ: UK Shocking Heist: Indian Artefacts Among 600 Priceless Treasures Stolen From Bristol Museum

Cllr Sheth reiterated the council’s stance: “We will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach. Don’t mess with Brent, because we will catch you and fine you.” Councillor Neil Nerva, who oversees public health, urged residents seeking to quit smoking or paan to use the borough’s free cessation services. He emphasised that the habit is “costing lives and putting enormous pressure on the NHS”.

ALSO READ: UK’s Heathrow Airport Hit By Pepper Spray Attack, Multiple Injuries Reported; Flights Disrupted | VIDEO

As London battles its unexpected red-stain crisis, Brent Council has invited ministers to visit the affected streets and “witness firsthand” the impact of what has now become a cross-border public health challenge.

With inputs from agency.


Also In News