Tap-on-Glass (Prohibition) Ordinance 2015

1 Citation

This Ordinance may be cited as the Tap-on-Glass (Prohibition) Ordinance 2015.

2 Definitions

In this Ordinance:

tap means the deliberate contact of a knuckle, fingernail, pen or other object with the glass of a bowl, for the purpose of getting a fish's attention.

knock means a tap that is louder than a tap.

glass includes acrylic, plastic and any material through which a fish can be seen being startled.

3 Purpose

The purpose of this Ordinance is to permit fish to proceed with their affairs.

4 Prohibition on tapping

A person must not tap on the glass of a bowl.

5 Prohibition on knocking

A person must not knock on the glass of a bowl, and the fact that the person "just wanted to say hi" is not an excuse.

6 Exceptions

Section 4 does not apply to:

(a) an accidental tap while cleaning the glass, if followed by "oops"; or

(b) a tap by a small child under adult supervision, if the adult says "gently" in a firm but loving voice.

7 Signs

(1) An official "Please Do Not Tap" sign may be displayed near a bowl.

(2) A sign under subsection (1) must be at least as large as the fish.

8 Form of sign

The approved form of sign is set out in Schedule 1.

9 Remorse scheme

A person who has tapped on the glass may participate in the Remorse Scheme by standing near the bowl and thinking about what they have done.

10 Duration of remorse

Remorse under section 9 must continue for 30 seconds, or until the fish has calmed down, whichever is longer.

11 Repeat tappers

A person who taps more than three times in a single day must lodge Form T-03 (Statement of Reflection by a Repeat Tapper).

12 Relationship with other laws

A fish that flares at a person who has tapped on the glass does so lawfully under the Flare Display (Public Decency) Ordinance 2003, section 6.