Milan cracks down on night owls with a ban on takeaway food and drinks.
Milan is cracking down on disruptive nightlife in the busy Porta Venezia area by banning the sale of drinks and takeaway food at certain times.
The temporary ban means late-night revelers can no longer buy takeaway drinks or food from shops, stalls, bars with outdoor seating and even vending machines.
It is in effect from midnight to 6 on weekdays and from 1:30 to 6 on Friday and Saturday nights until at least November 19.
The new rules were introduced after local residents sued the town hall over noise caused by the area’s nightlife earlier this year.
Where do the Milan rules apply?
The ban concerns the busy LGBT+ nightlife area of Porta Venezia, which runs from Piazza Oberdan to Via Melzo and Via Lazzaretto.
Applies to shops, stalls, bars with outdoor seating and vending machines.
Street vendors face even tougher measures as it is prohibited from the area between 6pm and 6am.
Why is Milan cracking down on outdoor drinking?
Tired of noisethe crowding and crime that comes with living in an area bustling with nightlife, the Lazzaretto Residents’ Committee urged city officials to take action.
Listening to their pleas, MilanMayor Giuseppe Sala said: “This idea of the 24-hour city in which there are no opening hours, always open, no longer convinces me so much,” according to the Italian news agency Ansa.
“I believe that cities should also rest like us humans and have schedules that are a little more suitable for everyone,” he continued.
It is not the first time that such measures have been adopted to rein in Milan’s rowdy revelers. In May 2020 takeaway alcohol sales were prohibited from 7pm to 7am after residents violated COVID-19 safety rules.
After-hours takeaway drinks returned in July 2022 and June this year prohibited in the city center, this time to reduce noise and crime in the streets.
“We don’t want to penalize funnor work and entrepreneurial activities,” said Marco Granelli, Milan’s security councilor, proposing the latest rules, according to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica.
“However, we must allow residents to rest and all citizens to enjoy quality public space in safety,” he added.
“It is essential to find a balance in nightlife and give clear rules for everyone.”
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