WIBU to tell this guy to wipe up the mess he hawked onto the floor

[mumblechum1]

Sitting in a hotel lobby yesterday afternoon with a girlfriend sheltering from the rain. We were having tea and scones.

Next table was a couple who were middle eastern in appearance (relevant because possible cultural difference).

The guy did that horrible snot sniffing thing then hawked a gob of mucus casually on to the floor next to him and carried on eating.

I managed to restrain myself for all of five minutes before handing him a napkin as we left and asked him to clean it up.

He took the napkin, looked at the mess and put the napkin back on the table.

This was a 5 star hotel in Mayfair.

I don't think I was unreasonable but told dh and he said I should have just ignored it or asked a waitress to have it cleaned up.

that's made me feel ill.

That's disgusting.

I think I would have told a member of staff so they could have dealt with it.

I did think about that but then thought, why should the staff have to clean it up, it's his revolting mess.

That is absolutely vile! Why on Earth would somebody think that was an acceptable thing to do? I feel ill thinking about it!

Oh and YADNBU

Ive seen this in the Food Hall in Selfridges Bham. I was repulsed.

In what culture is this acceptable?

Why? Just why would someone do that? Is this acceptable in some countries/cultures?

And yanbu- why should a waitress have to clean that?

Good. I do like an AIBU thread where everyone agrees

I've seen it in China - but even then it's only on the street, I don't think it's ever done inside.

Yanbu, disgusting man.

When I was working in retail, a lady was walking around with a vase from the shelf, she kept spitting in it, then put it back on the shelf. My manager saw her do it and made her pay for it. She also though it ok to sit her whole family on the sofas while she breast fed her baby

A man did exactly the same thing a few years ago in the Infant's playground at my DS's school.

The Head teacher marched through the crowded playground, armed with a paper towel and told him very loudly to clean it up!

Ha, excellent Worra!

YANBU - I work in an area where some people seem to think this is acceptable (they say it's their culture) and spit in the street/shopping centre even the local hospital corridors

It drives me mad - it's a filthy habit and spreads germs!

My mum is a nurse and a visitor to her ward did it! They were promptly given a mop and bucket and told to clear it up. Not sure whether it was shock but they did clear up!!!

I may be wrong but I think at one stage (and maybe still) spitting or similar in a public place was illegal though of course it's a difficult one to police.

I thought it was illegal, cultural differences or not?

It is illegal, some councils come down very hard on it and give people on the spot fines.

This couple didn't speak English (saw them ordering by pointing at things on the menu), so clearly aren't aware of English cultural norms.

It's a disgusting habit, but unfortunately perfectly acceptable in many arab based cultures.

Bad enough when it's in the street, but quite shocking in a naice hotel!

Gross.

No, when I was in China they did it everywhere. Indoors, outdoors, even on the bloody aeroplanes. MIL used to have Chinese students and several would also do it in bed, under the pillow.

Actually I think I might have to pop onto the 'things not to do before you die' thread and add 'go to China'.

I've been known to bollock teenagers for spitting in the street. Next time I'll give them a tissue too .

I was a waitress and i wouldnt have cleaned that up!