Milan has long been a popular destination for tourists who want to explore the Italian region and all it has to offer.
However, Italian officials are trying to stop vendors from selling ice cream and pizza after midnight due to many Milan residents complaining about the noise tourists have been making after this time.
Milan’s Local Government Wants to Ban Pizza and Ice Cream
The proposals were initially made by Milan’s local government, which, Euro News reports, wants to ban street vendors selling pizza and ice cream after midnight.
If these new proposals are passed, they will become effective from May to November 2024.
Takeaway Food to Be Banned in Milan After Midnight
These new proposals will ban the sale of takeaway food in Milan after 12:30 a.m. on weekdays and 1:30 a.m. on weekends.
Pizza and ice cream, two foods that Milan and the rest of Italy are most famous for, will be banned from sale after these times.
Late-Night Gelato Is Part of Italian Culture
People are unhappy with the Milan government’s move because, according to Sky News, late-night gelato is a part of Italian culture.
Removing something residents and tourists have long enjoyed about the region would take away a great part of Italian tradition.
Milan’s Residents Traditionally Buy Late-Night Ice Cream
With the ban on takeaway food set to come into place in Milan during the summer months, the ban will affect more than just tourists.
The Guardian reported Marco Barbieri, the secretary general for the Milan unit of Confcommercio, saying that most Italian families will go for a late-night walk around the streets of Milan and buy some ice cream. If this ban were to take effect, they would no longer be able to do this.
Milan Wants a Balance Between Entertainment and Peace
Part of the reason behind these new proposals is so the city can find a good balance between providing entertainment and socializing for those wanting to stay up while providing peace for those wanting to get an early night.
This comes after some of Milan’s residents complained about the noise from the streets caused by people picking up late-night food and drink.
12 Milan Districts Will Be Affected
These new laws will affect only 12 of Milan’s districts.
The Independent reports that Nolo, Lazzaretto, Brera, and Ticinese are some of the districts said to be affected.
Milan’s Bars and Restaurants Will Have to Close Outdoor Areas
Banning the sale of food and drinks in Milan won’t just affect street vendors.
Food and Wine has reported that Milan’s bars and restaurants must close their outdoor areas simultaneously.
Mayor Giuseppe Sala Supports Banning Food Sales After Midnight
The Mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, has supported the proposed ban on food and drinks after midnight.
This comes after some of Milan’s residents have complained to him about the excessive noise from the streets.
Banning Pizza and Ice Cream in Milan Has Happened Before
This isn’t the first time the Milan government has tried to put a ban on the sale of pizza and ice cream after a certain time.
The Irish Independent reports that the Milan government tried to ban the sale of takeaway food after midnight in 2013, but local residents were able to stop this from happening.
Milan’s Residents Can Appeal Banning Takeaway Food
As only the proposals have been drawn up so far, there is still some time for people to take action against this potential new law.
The Daily Star has reported that Milan’s residents have until May to try and appeal banning takeaway food after midnight in this popular tourist destination.
Banning Takeaway Food in Milan Won’t Solve the Problem
While Milan’s government seems to think that banning the sale of late-night takeaway food and drink sales, others aren’t so sure.
Both tourists and residents are likely to stay out late at night regardless of whether food and drink are being sold, meaning the loud noise will not go away, and street vendors, bars, and restaurants will lose out on a lot of money.
