Mie Prefecture enacts Japan’s first ordinance penalizing customer harassment

What happened: Mie Prefectural Assembly enacted Japan's first ordinance penalizing customer harassment, or nuisance behavior by customers toward employees. It takes effect April 1 next year. Key numbers: Fine up to ¥500,000 ($3,110), plus detention or a petty fine. Why it matters: Gov. Katsuyuki Ichimi said the deterrent effect of the penalties would be very significant and expressed hope customer harassment would be curbed in the prefecture.

Mie Prefectural Assembly enacted Japan's first ordinance penalizing customer harassment, or nuisance behavior by customers toward employees. It takes effect April 1 next year.

Gov. Katsuyuki Ichimi said the deterrent effect of the penalties would be very significant and expressed hope customer harassment would be curbed in the prefecture.