A 19‑year‑old French student was fined S$600 (about $465) after licking a vending‑machine straw and returning it. His lawyer said he is truly remorseful for the trouble caused.

Key Takeaways

  • French student fined S$600
  • Straw licked and placed back in dispenser
  • iJooz replaced all 500 straws

Incident Overview

A Singapore court convicted 19‑year‑old Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien of public nuisance after he filmed himself licking a straw from an iJooz orange‑juice vending machine and putting it back. The court imposed a fine of S$600 (approximately $465).

Maximilien posted the video on Instagram with the caption “city is not safe,” which quickly spread across community pages and attracted widespread disgust. Local news outlets amplified the story, leading to a public outcry.

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The vending‑machine operator, iJooz, responded by replacing all 500 straws in the machine to prevent future incidents.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Singapore’s strict public health standards leave little room for frivolous behavior that jeopardizes communal hygiene. The incident underscores how a single viral stunt can trigger significant legal and operational repercussions.

"Public hygiene violations should never be treated lightly," said a public‑health expert.
Did You Know?: Offenders of public nuisance in Singapore can face fines up to S$2,000 or three months imprisonment, or both.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is this the first fine for a similar stunt? Yes, this is the first recorded case where a straw‑licking incident resulted in a fine.
  • Did iJooz take any additional measures after replacing the straws? The company announced enhanced cleaning protocols and increased monitoring of its machines.