Smoking is banned in Milan before the Olympic Games
2 January 2025 09:08
Milan, Italy, has introduced a new ban on smoking outdoors and in public places. This is the strictest expansion of a series of bans that began in 2021 to improve air quality in the city.
Starting January 1, 2025, a citywide smoking ban came into effect in Italy’s second largest city. Violation of the new rules will result in fines ranging from 40 to 240 euros.
According to local officials, the ban applies to “all public spaces, including streets,” but has an exception for secluded places. Smokers can smoke outdoors in isolated areas, but must maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from other people.
The ban is part of an initiative launched in 2021 to improve air quality in the city. Authorities say the goal is also to protect the health of citizens from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, especially in places frequented by children.
It is important to note that the ban does not apply to electronic cigarettes (vapes).
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Back in 2020, the Milan City Council adopted an air quality ordinance that provided for the gradual introduction of smoking bans and restrictions. In 2021, the first ban was introduced, prohibiting smoking in public parks, playgrounds, bus stops, and sports facilities.
The new ban comes ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina and aims to significantly improve air quality in the city.
Milan is one of the European cities with the most polluted air. The fashion capital is located in the center of the industrial Po Valley and faces high levels of emissions from cars and excessive traffic.
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