NOUVEL OBSERVATEUR, LE PARISIEN (France)
LHÉRAULE - Hear-ye! Hear-ye! The newly elected mayor of the small town of Lhéraule, near Paris, has vowed to bring proper etiquette back– in the town hall at least.
Photo of Lhéraule Town Hall via Google Maps
Le Parisien reports that Mayor Gérard Plée plastered his new decree on the town hall entrance, accompanying it with a message addressed to: The Eternally Dissatisfied, Resentful, Grumpy and Other Moaners.
According to the decree, Monsieur Plée insists that upon entry to the building, one is now required to say “hello” and on leaving “thank you” under penalty of being shown the way out and having to repeat the entry/exit until it is done correctly.
He says he was fed up with people forgetting to say “hello”, “please”, “thank you” and “goodbye” whilst he was in the municipal building, and decided it was time to take a stance.
According to the Nouvel Observateur, the decree states that according to Article 1, the residents of Lhéraule are required to comply with the observance of social norms of politeness and courtesy, especially to greet attendees as they enter the premises. In case of failure to adhere, the person will be urged to leave, informs Article 2. The order shall not apply in cases of force majeure, such as during elections or a marriage says Article 3.
Photo: two_gypsy_hearts via Flickr


