What’s going on in Italy’s fashion metropolis sounds dramatic. Some people supposedly call it a “war against ice.” Others immediately see Italy’s culture under threat: “What does the average Italian family do in the summer? They go for a walk after dinner and get an ice cream.” The British newspaper “The Observer” quotes Marco Barbieri from the Italian retail association. From his point of view, the Milanese politicians were threatening part of the Italian tradition.
According to media reports, it all started with complaints from residents: it was too loud in popular nightlife areas like Porta Venezia, where tourists crowd on warm summer nights. Now the deputy mayor for security, Marco Granelli, suggested on Instagram that the sale of take-away food and drinks by shops, snack bars or even vending machines should be banned at certain times: During the week, the ban should apply from 00:30 a.m , on weekends from 1:30 a.m. According to the proposal, street vendors would have to pack up their things from 8 p.m. These strict rest periods should affect twelve quarters. The city’s homepage states that they are collecting comments and suggestions on the topic until May 3rd. The regulation should come into force in mid-May and apply until November.
According to The Observer, sellers are now protesting against the proposals. The medium quotes the mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, with an offer to talk. Accordingly, he would soon invite Marco Barbieri from the retail association to the town hall for a conversation.
Sources: The Observer, City of Milan, Marco Granelli (via Instagram)
