Is it permissible to eat and drink in public transport and stores: etiquette rules

In the heat of the day, you always want to have a bottle of water or ice cream on hand to cool off. But not all places are appropriate for bringing food and drinks. Even though street food culture is rapidly developing, and consuming something in public is no longer considered bad manners.

Some dishes can stain someone's clothes or soil the area. That's why OBOZREVATEL is discussing etiquette rules related to eating and drinking in public places.

Be mindful of odors

Many dishes have a strong aroma that can be unpleasant for others. Think of the infamous stories about heating fish in the office microwave. Avoid bringing odorous food indoors. Hot, spicy, and strongly-flavored foods should be enjoyed outdoors, not in public spaces. Subjecting others to strong odors invades their personal space. Someone nearby might be hungry and you're tantalizing them with the scent, or someone could simply find the smell of food nearby uncomfortable. Respecting personal boundaries is the foundation of proper etiquette.

Watch out for crumbs and spills

In addition to odors, food often leaves behind crumbs and stains, and certain beverages can also create messes. All of this can create a significant mess in the surrounding area and may end up on other people's clothing. Therefore, avoid taking foods like chips and ice cream with you on public transportation or into any public places. Try not to leave behind dirty marks if you can't clean them up promptly. Popcorn in a movie theater is one of the exceptions.

Mind your chewing

Chewing with your mouth open, smacking, and slurping are all sounds that can be unpleasant and even quite irritating. For a long time, eating in public was generally considered indecent. Although modern etiquette standards have become more lenient, it's still important to be mindful of the sounds you make while eating.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told you how to give and receive gifts correctly from the point of view of etiquette.

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