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Milano: The City of Prohibitions Between Controversies and New Rules

Alessandro Verri: "It would be more important to employ Local Police Agents to make our city safe and not to fine those who smoke"

Milano: The City of Prohibitions between controversies and new rules.  

Milano is preparing to experience a new era of restrictions with the entry into force of two significant measures that are already sparking discussion among citizens, merchants and institutions. From the smoking ban in all outdoor public areas, scheduled for January 1, 2025, to the “red zones” for criminals and troublemakers, the city finds itself at the center of a heated debate between the need to improve the quality of life and criticism of excessive restrictions.

Milano: La Città dei divieti tra polemiche e nuove regole

Smoking ban: new rules for air quality

What Changes from 2025:

From 1 January 2025, to Milano smoking will be prohibited in all public or publicly used outdoor areas, including sidewalks, parks, public transport stops and outdoor seating areas of bars and restaurants. The only exception is “isolated places”, where it is possible to maintain at least 10 meters distance from other people. The ban, already partially in force since 2021, will be extended to the entire city, with fines ranging from 40 to 240 euros for violators.

The products affected by the measure are those that burn tobacco, such as cigarettes, cigars and pipes, while heated tobacco-based devices and electronic cigarettes are permitted.

The reasons of the Municipality

The municipality of Milano said that the ban is aimed at improving air quality, reducing emissions of PM10, polluting particles that are dangerous to health, and protecting citizens from passive smoking. According to the Councilor for the Environment and Green Elena Grandi, cigarette smoke represents about 7% of the emissions of fine particles in the city, according to data from Arpa Lombardia.

“This measure aims to promote a cultural change, raising awareness among citizens about the harms of smoking and encouraging more responsible behaviors” the councilor explained.

Criticisms and restrictions on personal freedom

The ban has sparked strong controversy. In particular, bar and restaurant managers, represented by Marco Barbieri of Confcommercio, fear economic repercussions. Barbieri called the measure “an unnecessary restriction” and suggested a more educational approach to address the problem of smoking.

Furthermore, some citizens see the ban as an excessive limitation of individual freedoms, arguing that common sense would be enough to manage uncomfortable situations related to smoking.

The “Red Zones”: security and public order

What is the Provision:

From 30 December 2024 to 31 March 2025, the prefect of Milano introduced the concept of “red zones” to improve safety in some particularly sensitive areas of the city. These are parking bans aimed at people who are annoying or have a history of crimes such as theft, robbery and drug dealing.

The Areas of Interest

The areas identified include Piazza Duomo, the Darsena, the Navigli and the Porta Garibaldi, Rogoredo and Centrale stations, places often frequented by criminals or people who represent a risk to public safety.

Law enforcement will be authorized to order the immediate removal of anyone deemed a danger to the community. In addition, in view of New Year's Eve, additional measures will be adopted, such as a ban on the sale of beverages in glass bottles and cans and a health station near the Duomo.

Community reactions

This measure has gained consensus among those who see it as a way to restore order and safety in crowded areas, but it has also raised doubts about its real effectiveness and the risks of discrimination against certain categories of people.

The open debate between pros and cons

Milano is therefore at a crossroads. On one side, the bans with the intention of making the city more “healthy” and safe. On the other, the many criticisms about an alleged excess of regulation that risks limiting personal freedoms and damaging the local economy.

Criticism from the League Group Leader in the City Council of Milano, Alessandro Verri. 

"The smoking ban in public areas of our city imposed by the Sala council starting from January 1st smacks of yet another measure aimed only at dipping into the pockets of the Milanese. An ideological measure that certainly does not serve to improve the quality of the area but is only made to wink at the Greens who support the Sala council".

“Yet another measure – declares to La Milano, Verri – which will only put its hands in the pockets of the citizens of Milan and above all will serve no purpose. In addition, it will be very complicated to be able to control it and to be able to follow this regulation since the Local Police Agents are increasingly fewer in our City and above all they already struggle to supervise the safety of our streets”.

“So we think that maybe it would be more important – concludes the League Group Leader – employ Local Police officers to make our city safe and not to fine smokers”.

 

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