- Lire en français - November 22, Jean-Talon Metro station, I was arms open wearing my green free hugs t-shirt offering free hugs to the passers-by and two STM inspectors approached me asking me if I had my permit. Surprised, I asked which permit? The inspector then opened its little “by-laws” booklet and turned pages until he figured out something could stick with what I was doing. He ended up giving me the fine for the Rule 17, Subsection II of the Section VIII of law R-036 which state the following: “17. In a metro station, after obtaining the authorisation of the Société, it is permitted to offer 
for sale or lease services or merchandise, or to exhibit or distribute such services or merchandise, subject to the other restrictions in the present By-law.”
What I understand of that, is that I can wear my t-shirt with “free hugs” written on it… but I can’t open my arms.
I know these guys have the mission to keep the peace in the subway… but when they give a ticket to those who actually are in peace, where is the world going?
The next question is: am I allowed to stand still in the subway, pretending let say that I am waiting for someone close to the convenience store, ( without having arms open) while wearing my message-t-shirt ?