Milan eyes nighttime ban on pizza, ice cream to curb noise
A popular Italian city is revisiting a controversial idea that it flirted with years ago, which involves imposing a ban on selling ice cream and pizza during nighttime hours. This measure aims to reduce noise pollution in the streets, which is a significant bother for residents.
12:03 PM EDT, April 25, 2024
The authorities in Milan have proposed reintroducing a ban on selling ice cream and pizza after midnight. The city's goal is to curb the noise of large, loud groups that wander through the streets of the Lombardy capital at night, leaving behind a considerable amount of litter.
Milan proposes a nighttime ban on pizza and ice cream sales
"We aim to strike a balance between allowing social gatherings and entertainment while ensuring the residents can enjoy their peace and quiet," said Marco Granelli, the deputy mayor.
The proposed ban would target outdoor food vendors and be enforced from 6:30 PM on weekdays to 7:30 PM on weekends, from May to October.
The proposed restrictions would be applied in areas popular among tourists and locals alike, including Nolo, Lazzaretto, Melzo, Isola, Sarpi, Via Cesariano, Arco della Pace, Como-Gae Aulenti, Porta Garibaldi, Brera, Ticinese, and Darsena-Navigli.
This is not the first time Milan has considered such a measure. Over ten years ago, in 2013, the city contemplated implementing this ban. However, strong opposition from Milan's residents prevented the idea from materializing.
Italy's unique prohibitions surprise visitors
Italy is known for imposing various unexpected bans that can catch tourists off guard. For instance, a few years back, the seaside town of Cavallino near Venice banned the building of sandcastles, citing that they hinder rescue operations on the coast.
Another remarkable ban came from the mayor of Castellammare di Stabia, a town on the Bay of Naples, who garnered international attention by prohibiting wearing overly revealing clothes, including mini skirts. "We are not in Majorca," argued Mayor Luigi Bobbio, responding to protests against the restriction.
