Milan prohibits the sale of food and drinks during late-night hours in response to complaints from residents.
The prohibition will be effective from midnight to 6 a.m. on weekdays and from 1:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, lasting until at least November 19.
Milan is addressing the issue of disruptive nightlife in the bustling Porta Venezia area by implementing restrictions on the sale of takeaway drinks and food during specific hours, Euronews revealed.
The introduction of these new regulations follows a lawsuit by local residents against the city hall earlier this year, citing noise disturbances caused by nightlife in the area.
This idea of the 24-hour city in which there are no opening hours, always open, no longer convinces me so much.
Giuseppe Sala, Milan’s Mayor
During this temporary ban, late-night partygoers are now restricted from buying beverages or snacks from stores, street vendors, bars with outdoor seating, and even vending machines.
It’s crucial to understand that these updated regulations will impact a wide array of businesses, in particular the ones previously mentioned.
This ban will be in force from midnight to 6 a.m. on weekdays and from 1:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights until at least November 19.
Those regulations are focused on and cover the lively LGBT+ nightlife area in Porta Venezia, extending from Piazza Oberdan to via Melzo and via Lazzaretto.
Frustrated with the noise, crowds, and safety concerns that come with living in a lively nightlife zone, the Lazzaretto Residents Committee called on city officials to take steps to address the issues.
I believe that cities should also rest like us humans and have timetables that are a little more suitable for everyone.
Giuseppe Sala, Milan’s Mayor
Moreover, street vendors face even stricter guidelines, as they are not allowed to operate in the area from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. These measures aim to comprehensively address and regulate the enthusiastic and chaotic nightlife within this specific district.
We don’t want to penalise fun, nor work and entrepreneurial activities. However, we must allow residents to rest and all citizens to enjoy a quality public space in safety.
Marco Granelli, Milan’s Councillor for Security
The Italian city of Milan has taken similar actions before to address this type of behavior. In May 2020, they imposed restrictions on the sale of takeaway alcohol, prohibiting it from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., in response to residents not adhering to COVID-19 safety rules.
The city’s commitment to enhancing urban living extends beyond this. Just last month, Milan authorities presented a proposal to ban private traffic within the city centre as part of their broader efforts to combat dangerous levels of emissions and create a more sustainable and liveable urban environment.