Singapore's Bubble Bursts

Singapore is called the "Nanny State" for many reasons, but high on the list is its ban on chewing gum. You won't see pious anti-mastication public service announcements, but anyone caught selling or manufacturing so much as a stick faces a fine of up to $5,600 and one year in jail. But last-second negotiations on a U.S.-Singapore Free Trade agreement could bring bubbles back. In a compromise, sugarless gum prescribed by doctors and dentists will be legal for sale by pharmacists—although to get your fix, you'll have to wait until the free trade agreement takes effect in 2004. It's not clear if the U.S. gum lobby pushed for the change, or if Singapore is just tired of being an international punchline. Restrictions have been in effect since 1992, after pranksters started wedging wads into subway doors, gumming up the public transit system. The Lion City isn't going soft. Using a public toilet without flushing still carries a $284 fine. Drive into Malaysia with a tank of gas less than three-quarters full: $1,136. Walk around your house naked: another $1,136. So for now, Singaporeans, don't try to walk naked and chew gum at the same time.