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In the bar of the local village, you never get a receipt. There is no menu with prices, and no price list for beverages. If you have a cappuccino you just leave 1€ on the counter. I have a feeling all this is illegal- am I right?

There has been a concerted campaign (particularly in Rome, and particularly by bars) in recent days as a protest against austerity measures. That the police have decided to align themselves with Berlusconi strikes me as a bit sad.

An �������� friend who had lived in US for many years, left a bar in N Italy leaving the receipt on the counter. GdF were outside and she was fined for not having the receipt with her - no idea whether the bar was fined but she, the custommer, certainly was.

Every morning, the owner of the local coffee shop insists that I should keep the "scontrino".... There must be a reason for it.... and yes, the customer is liable.

On the other hand, I see it as a positive move. One of Italy's biggest problems is the amount of black money that cannot be detected and, in times of need, the country requires those taxes which are avoided. It is interesting to notice that I pay for my cappuccino the same amount that Karen pays for hers; however, I am certain that the money I pay also pays its taxes while, in her case, she cannot be certain of that. The price, as I said, is exactly the same. I agree that Mr B and many government members are not good examples regarding tax payments and transparency.... on the other hand, a firmer hand by the Police may help in dismantling the submerged economy which does nothing for the country. I am not blaming Italy alone, in Spain we have a similar problem.