July 15, 2023. - 31.2667C | 89.0F - clear skies with 20% chance of rain in the evening - SUMMER
On Thursday, July 14th at 4 AM, a speech at town hall commenced with Deputy Mayor Tsu & Commissioner ‘Yeager’ Schwarz .
[!] Yui Tsu walked up to the podium, smiling at the crowd.
[Tsu]: "Good evening everyone! As you all know my name is Yui Tsu, and I am the Deputy Mayor of Karakura. He as the government would like to announce a feu changes that have been made as of recently."
[Tsu]: "Firstly, the leaders of this city have come to an agreement to completely abolish the city's death penalty. Therefore, execution trials have now been eradicated and civilians will no longer be charged with death."
[!] Yui Tsu seemed satisfied with that portion. She'd continue on.
[Tsu]: "Next in regards to shopkeepers, a new legislature has been passed that will fine any shopkeeper who is caught with their employees selling alcohol to underage civilians. This fine is a sum 50,000 yen."
[Tsu]: "Lastly, the government has also passed another legislature against rioting. Anyone who is caught responsible for successfully instigating a violent riot will be charged with two months jail time. And anyone who is caught attempting to instigate one will face a 15,000 yen fine."
[!] Tsu inhaled, and exhaled into her next statement.
[Tsu]: "This does not mean we are violating your right to a peaceful protest. Any civilian is allowed to voice their concern over the Karakura government, however it must be done peacefully, and without violence."
[Tsu]: "Our number one priority as the Karakura Government is to ensure the safety of the people. It is imperative that we discourage any form of violent outbursts from civilians. These sort of outbursts will be met with punishment via fine or arrest."
[!] Yui Tsu waited a few moments.. Then spoke again
[Tsu]: "That all being said, it is with great pleasure that these changes are being made. I for one have always been against the death penalty, and I feel as if this will benefit the city greatly.”
[!] Yui Tsu finished off with saying:
[Tsu]: "Finally, I would like to allow Commissioner Schwarz to approach the podium and give a crucial update on the police force to the public."
[!] she explained, then left the podium.
[!] Yeager Schwarz tested if the microphone was working
[Schwarz]: "Hello, citizens of Karakura. We have gathered you all here to notify you of some changes that the government has deemed necessary for our society to keep thriving. Changes, for the most part, pertaning to law-enforcement."
[!] he paused
[Schwarz]: "I will not keep you waiting, so I'll go straight to the point. Firstly, we'd like to let you know that the police force will no longer carry out deadly-force equipment. This means that firearms are now strictly prohibited to all citizens, including police."
[Schwarz]: "Moreover. We have invested the influx of taxpay money into more... less-deadly equipment. That is, Riot Shields, and Tranquilizers. We know that the way the police force has been struggling with animal self-defense calls. With these changes, however, we will be able to deal with animals in a more peaceful way, without actually harming the animal while also keeping citizens safe.”
[Schwarz]: "Moreover, police will also have access to use this type of less-deadly force against individuals who pose a serious threat to anyone."
[!] Yeager Schwarz bowed "Thank you for your attention."
[!] Yui Tsu approached the stand again, smiling towards the crowd.
[Tsu]: "I appreciate you all coming this evening, and hope you all have a wonderful evening. Feel free to disperse and go about your nights whenever.”
So what does all this mean? Overall, heres quick summary of everything new.
Abolishment of the Death Penalty: The Death penalty was once a punishment in Karakura, however it is no more. With this being said, the highest punishment one can receive is up to Life in prison without bail. This will be given to those who’ve committed the most severe crimes, and or are excessive repeat offenders. This also means, the former death penalty punishments are now that of just Karakura history. Too learn about the last ever Death penalty given in Karakura, go here: KARAKURA NEWS: Trial to Death
New Fines & Laws: Two new fines are being introduced to Karakura, both making the city curious. One is for shopkeepers, one that means it'll no longer count as Illegal services if caught serving Alcohol or any 20+ in age item to minors without an ID, or an ID stating they are underaged. Instead, they'll be hit with a 50k fine given to them by an on-duty officer. If it's an employee who sold the item, and they're known or identifiable, the shopkeeper can make them pay the fine. If you're still just some random person selling alcohol to a minor, yes you're 100% getting hit with an illegal services charge. If the ID shown to the shopkeeper, or employee, was fake, they cannot be held responsible unless they are a part of school faculty in which they would have known the individual's real age and information. The other new fine is assumingly in response to all the recent riots that's been taking place in the city. Those caught who successfully instigated a violent riot will be arrested and charged with two months in Jail. To those who were caught who were instigating a riot, but were not successful, will still receive a punishment of paying a 15k fine.
Karakura Police Department Weaponry Reform: Karakura Police Department will no longer be able to carry Tasers, Glocks and deadly force weaponry / equipment. Instead, they now have stun blasters, Tranquilizers, and also riot shields which can be used to protect officers. The Tranquilizers also make it so police have a better way to handle wild animals calls that will no longer result in the death of an animal, but instead simply sedate one til a situation can be handled. This also means no citizen, criminal or not, should be killed or severely injured by the hands of the Police.
A shopkeeper’s reaction
Clearly, everything else stated in the speech was related. Violent riots, death, deadly force.. Those are all connected. But the one thing that stands out the most is the new fine towards shopkeepers. Ive asked the two Shopkeepers that reside in complex L to give me their opinions on the matter. One of them, selling really nothing but items which are 20+ in age, while the other selling nothing of the sorts. Ill also be including the reaction a shopkeepers as displayed in result of the new fine. First interview was with Namiko Miura, who does not sell any 20+ items at their shop for the record.
[Yasushi]: "State your name, age and what shop you own.”
[Miura]: "Hello! I'm Namiko Miura, I'm 28, and I currently own the shop Umisachi! It's a bit of a work in progress as you can see."
[Yasushi]: "Are you, or are you not aware of the new Fine put in place that will only affect shopkeepers?"
[Miura]: "Oh there's a new fine? I'm currently unaware of this."
[Yasushi]: "Shopkeepers will face a 50,000 yen fine if they, or their employees, are caught selling 20+ in age items to minors. However, this seems to also be replacing an Illegal services charge for shopkeepers which is a felony as well. What are your opinions on it?”
[Miura]: "Oh that's a lot.. is it like 50,000 yen for each incident caught? That can add up a lot if it happens continuously. In my opinion, although I don't own a shop that sells alcohol. It seems rather unfair. A lot of underage citizens possess fake I.D.'s. It's really difficult for shopkeepers and employees to keep an eye out for them. It doesn't seem fair to fine the shopkeeper that much money for something they have no control over, if it isn't done intentionally."
[Miura]: "I personally believe it shouldn't be that much of a cost, and if the government really doesn't want shopkeepers to sell 20+ items to minors, they should have a professional inspect every I.D. To make sure it's real, which is a real hassle. It's not the shopkeepers nor the employee's fault. Sometimes we just don't know, because they look so real."
[Yasushi]: "Well surely if its a Fake ID, its different case. I believe its more.. Knowingly and being aware of age when giving alcohol. After all, withouts a mens rea it isn't a crime. With now knowing if given a fake ID, its a different case, then how do you feel?"
[Miura]: "Mhm, well I agree with that. If a shopkeeper or employee is intentionally giving out alcohol or 20+ items to minors, then they should be punished because well, it's illegal. But how does the government plan on keeping track of these things? That's my question. I feel as though shopkeepers should be responsible as to what they're giving out to citizens. If they're knowingly and willingly handing out alcohol to minors, then they should be punished, but still, 50,000 yen is a lot of money."
[Miura]: "And something that's probably done so often, that's not seen or caught. Why is it becoming an issue now? Has there been occurrences of this happening, proof of shopkeepers willingly giving alcohol to minors? Where are they getting this information from?"
[Yasushi]: "Im unsure ma'am why its happening now, however it was publicly just revealed during a speech this is now in place."
[!] He nodded, adjusting his tie,
[Yasushi]: "thank you however, for your feedback Miss Miura."
Next we have Skylar Tsu, who runs a Club & Bar Business.
[Yasushi]: ".. Nice to see you again, Tsu. Please state your Name, age, and what shop you own."
[!] Skylar T. Tsu sighed, tilting her head to the side.
[Tsu]: "Miss Tsu, I own Club Umbra. I take it this is for the recent announcement made during the speech?"
[Yasushi]: "Indeed. What are your thoughts about the new fine? Of course it's good to note as well, being shown a fake ID won't result in the fine.. It's the giving of the 20+ item to a minor without asking for ID, and or being shown an ID but allowing them to buy anyway situation."
[!] Skylar T. Tsu folded her arms across her chest leaning back to the wall.
[Tsu]: "The meeting (one heald about the new topics introduced during the speech) went well. We shared our thoughts on the matter of what was to be expected of this new change. Originally it was going to be that shopkeepers suffer but we managed to make- Some bargains.”
[Tsu]: “It will help us cut down on the fake ID problem, It was a needed addition."
[Yasushi]: "Do you believe its fair that only the Shopkeeper is being fined? Or do you believe that it should be the employee fined?"
[Tsu]: "We agreed that the shopkeeper gets to decide the final decision. We can make the culprit pay us for the fee, or we can make it a legal matter and sue them for the causes of damage to our establishment."
[!] She would shrug standing tall.
[Tsu]: "My workers here at Umbra have been fully trained and prioritized in dealing with matters that involve underaged children trying to run in. They'll be fired on the spot otherwise.”
[Yasushi]: "I see! interested. May i ask, as you were there... does this mean Shopkeepers wont be charged with illegal services, as this fine pretty much replaces that for them?”
[!] Skylar T. Tsu nodded.
[Tsu]: "Correct. Its a separate fine, and we will not be charged with such as this is a legal registered business.”
[Yasushi]: "Well, More like a separate crime, as illegal services is a felony charge. But its good to see they made an adjustment. How do you feel personally about this new change? I know it was very out of place as everything else mentioned was regarding deadly force, death penalty.. Etc."
[!] Skylar T. Tsu stood stiff, though her eyebrow raised up slowly.
[Tsu]: "Perhaps it was slightly out of place with the other announcements, but with the introduction of what will happen when people try starting riots, It wasn't much to note on. Originally I was skeptical sure. But when you take into consideration that I could just prosecute them for more money, it becomes less of a bother."
[Yasushi]: "Fair enough, thank you. Anything else youd like to state about this topic of the new Fine?”
[Tsu]: "No, is that all?"
[Yasushi]: "Indeed, thank you for your time."
I didnt get to do an interview with him, But Daisuki Yohin owner, Thao Daisuki, has been seen putting up new signs in his shop alerting customers of the new fine.
This was Jim Yasushi, signing out.
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