But isn't it also true that nursing women, and children are exempt? Also I think this fine is for someone willing eating in public in difiance of the law. Two years ago I did it completly by accident. I had been working all day and was very thirsty. While waiting for my friend at a shop. Without thinking I opened my water and started drinking it. One of the nice Muslim gentlemen at the tables outside of the shop reminded me it was Ramadan. I felt very bad and apologised. I had done it completly by accident.