Milan Curbs Late-Night Food & Drink Sales Due to Resident Concerns

Milan has addressed disruptive nightlife in Porta Venezia by imposing strict limits on the sale of takeout food and drinks, according to Euronews.

The implementation of these novel regulations comes as a result of legal action taken by local inhabitants against the municipal authorities earlier this year, citing disturbances caused by nocturnal revelry in the vicinity, as detailed by SchengenVisaInfo.com.

Giuseppe Sala, the Mayor of Milan, articulated his perspective, stating:

“This idea of the 24-hour city in which there are no opening hours, always open, no longer convinces me so much.”

Under this temporary prohibition, individuals engaged in late-night revelry will find their ability to acquire drinks or snacks curtailed, spanning a wide spectrum of establishments, including stores, street vendors, alfresco bars, and even vending machines.

It is paramount to grasp that these revised regulations will exert an influence on various enterprises, particularly those previously enumerated.

The prohibition will be in effect 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.

These restrictions are chiefly directed towards and encompass the vibrant LGBT+ nightlife district within Porta Venezia, extending from Piazza Oberdan to via Melzo and via Lazzaretto.

Prompted by noise, congestion, and safety concerns associated with residing in a vivacious nightlife hub, the Lazzaretto Residents Committee urged civic officials to undertake measures to address the predicaments.

Mayor Giuseppe Sala added:

“I believe that cities should also rest like us humans and have timetables that are a little more suitable for everyone.”

Furthermore, street vendors confront more stringent guidelines, as they are prohibited from conducting business within the area from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. These measures are aimed at comprehensively managing and overseeing the enthusiastic and chaotic nightlife within this specific vicinity.

Marco Granelli, Milan's Councillor for Security, emphasized:

“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.”

This is not the first time the city of Milan has taken action 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 flouting COVID-19 safety measures.

Milan's commitment to enhancing urban living extends beyond this. Just last month, Milan's authorities unveiled a proposal to restrict private vehicular traffic in the city center as part of their broader initiatives to combat hazardous emission levels and foster a more sustainable and habitable urban environment.

Source: schengenvisainfo.com