In the heart of Italy’s fashion and finance capital, Milan, a proposed law is stirring up a tempest in a gelato cup. The city’s local government is considering banning late-night snacks, including the beloved Italian treat, ice cream, to tackle noise complaints and preserve the tranquillity of its residents.
A legislative starting paper outlines the proposed law, which aims to curb the sale of takeaway food, including pizza and drinks, after midnight on weekdays and slightly later on weekends and public holidays. The rationale behind the ban is to alleviate noise disturbances caused by boisterous groups congregating on the streets late at night, disrupting the peace and sleep of local inhabitants.
If enacted, the ban would affect 12 of Milan’s districts, including iconic nightlife areas like Brera, Ticinese, and Navigli. This move has ignited a fiery debate between proponents of public order and defenders of cultural tradition and economic freedom.
Mayor Giuseppe Sala emphasised the need to address the concerns of residents who have voiced grievances about excessive noise disrupting their daily lives. However, he also acknowledged the importance of supporting local businesses and maintaining Milan’s vibrant social scene.
Deputy Mayor Marco Granelli echoed these sentiments, emphasising the delicate balance between fostering social interaction and safeguarding the well-being of residents. The proposed ban, according to Granelli, seeks to strike this equilibrium while respecting the rights of traders and entrepreneurs.
This isn’t the first time Milan has grappled with the issue of late-night gelato indulgence. In 2013, when then-mayor Guiliano Pisapia spearheaded a similar attempt, citizens and businesses fiercely opposed it. Dubbed “the battle of the cones” by the Italian media, the proposed measures faced backlash, including creative protests such as the ‘Occupy Gelato’ sit-in movement.
As the current proposal awaits deliberation, stakeholders, including citizens and business associations, have the opportunity to voice their concerns and suggest modifications. Lino Stoppani, president of Fipe, expressed apprehension about the potential adverse impact on businesses, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to nightlife regulation.
In response, Lorenza Bonaccorsi, president of Rome’s I Municipality, offered an alternative perspective, advocating for stricter regulations on the sale of takeaway alcohol in city centres.
As Milan navigates this culinary conundrum, it grapples with fundamental questions of urban governance, cultural heritage, and economic vitality. We remain to see whether the proposed ban will strike the right balance between public order and cultural expression. Ultimately, Milan’s midnight snack saga underscores the complex interplay between tradition, progress, and the pursuit of urban harmony in a modern metropolis.
