More than 20 litterbugs have been ordered to sweep the streets for an hour as punishment under a new sanitation rule in a township in Guangdong province, Guangzhou Daily reported.

A sanitation official, surnamed Chen from Humen township’s Nanshan community, said the new rule was introduced after litter became an increasing problem in the community, which attracts a large transient population.

“Many residents are in favor of the rule,” Chen said on Tuesday.

Restaurant owners were concerned that the new rule would affect their business, as some diners drop tissues and other rubbish while eating, Chen said.