This is a Police announcement Bahman has found in Tehran. It carries the logo of the Islamic Republic Police. Here is the English translation of the text on the banner,
The Police Force of Tehran
According to the order of the Public Places’ Supervision [not the exact translation of the name, it is a part of the Police which watches over the public conduct in public places], the followings must be practiced in public places (traditional coffee shops and restaurants)
1- People below 18 are forbidden from entering in any circumstances.
2- Irrelevant indulgence and being impolite is forbidden.
3- Smoking is forbidden.
4- Addicted individuals are forbidden from entering in any circumstances.
5- Speaking aloud is forbidden.
6- Carrying cold weapons (knives and others) is forbidden in any circumstances.
7- Motorcycles and cars are forbidden from making a honk and parking in inappropriate places.
8- Families [meaning women and children] are forbidden from entering.
Police is Always at Your Service
Update I: Many readers have expressed doubt about the origin of this picture. Understandably, this is too silly for many. To make sure, I sent an email to Bahman. This is his reply “that picture is real. I took it off Revolution Sq. on the western side of Worker St.”. Bahman has written the same point in his blog, in Persian. This is the exact position Bahman is referring to. Not to mention that he is a very reputable blogger (interview).
Thank you for the laugh. I needed that..hahaha
BTW, the sivand dam is going to flood Iran’s and, in fact, the world’s heritage in Pasargad soon according to BBC.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6571983.stm
Comment by serendip — April 19, 2007 @ 7:59 pm
Who is actually allowed in?
Comment by Sina — April 19, 2007 @ 8:03 pm
There is something you are not telling us. Are these the regulations for coffee shops that serve opium or something? Why would there be such strict regulations on who and who cannot enter? Why does the paper mention ‘addicted’ individuals so casually? Something seems fishy here..
Comment by غلام خدا — April 19, 2007 @ 10:09 pm
Off topic: Chos was ruled mentally ill and released:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3052278&page=1
http://www.psychlaws.org/GeneralResources/Article2.htm
Comment by serendip — April 19, 2007 @ 10:12 pm
oh my gawd…. I just noticed the “s” in Cho’s. It was not intentional…ROFL!
Comment by serendip — April 20, 2007 @ 12:37 am
In my opinion, it’s a joke or fake
Even if it’s real, who cares! Look at those exclamation marks. Who can believe that they’ve put this many exclamation marks in an official serious announcement?
Comment by Behrang — April 20, 2007 @ 4:25 am
You left the exclamation marks off of your translations. E.g.
“8- Families … are forbidden from entering!”
Also, does this mean that families (including men with their families) are forbidden to enter restaurants in Tehran? Would this not cripple Iran’s service economy? Or is it already true that women and children are forbidden to enter restaurants and other public places?
Comment by Zvi — April 20, 2007 @ 5:32 am
Nice colour theme change, Kamangir. I like the look of the blog a lot more.
This announcement is pretty horrific, however I don’t think exclamation marks make it any less credible. It’s actually a very niche view in the grand world that exclamation marks denote comedy. It is far more obvious that they mean seriousness.
To be honest, such regulations are not unbelievable – the same is true for pubs in England, technically: You are not allowed to serve drunks or known alcoholics (let alone drug users), you are not allowed to smoke, families and people under eighteen are not allowed, and of course weapons are not allowed (you are searched and IDed most of the time)… The only thing I find truly spiteful is the ’speaking aloud’ clause.
Still, if I can’t smoke in a cafe, I’m not going. Which is why I don’t go to cafes in this country anymore (soon, France as well – sniff).
Comment by zaratzara — April 20, 2007 @ 8:39 am
I showed this Sign to some of my Iranian friends almost all had their reasons to claim it is fake. My own reason is Item #8, it will be the biggest blow to entire restaurant Biz if they keep Families from entering the premises. JMHO
Comment by Motori — April 20, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
Zaratzara,
Thanks.
Comment by Kamangir — April 20, 2007 @ 5:30 pm
Motori, Behrang, غلام خدا,
The picture is indeed real. Please see the update I added at the end of the post.
Comment by Kamangir — April 20, 2007 @ 5:31 pm
coincides with the April 21 Sharia cracdown?
Comment by akak — April 20, 2007 @ 5:58 pm
crackdown….pimf
Comment by akak — April 20, 2007 @ 5:58 pm