Milan is one of those cities where life boils round the clock. But as it turns out, this state of affairs is not to the liking of the locals. ‘This idea of a round-the-clock city with no opening hours, which is always open, we don’t like it any more,’ said indignant Italians. Under the new rules, it was forbidden to sell food and drinks to travellers during certain hours. Such measures were forced on the authorities by complaining residents of the city. In accordance with the new rules, the ban on sales extends from midnight to 6:00 am on weekdays and from 01:30 am to 6:00 am on Friday and Saturday, specifies portal Schengenvisainfo. Local residents have sued the city hall over the noise, which has become constant and around the clock.
The city’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, commenting on the ban said: ‘I believe that cities should also rest like us humans and have a timetable that suits everyone.’ The new rules ban shops, street vendors, outdoor bars from selling food and drink to night party-goers. Vending machines have also been shut down for the night.
These rules have been introduced to address night-time noise problems, which is particularly relevant to the Porto Venezia neighbourhood and for the safety of both locals and visitors to Milan.