Milan cracks down on outdoor smoking in toughest ban to date

Smoking has now been banned in outdoors and public areas in Italy’s second largest city of Milan.

The citywide ban goes into effect starting 1 January in the strictest ban to date on smoking in the Italian fashion capital.

Those who break the new laws could be subjected to fines ranging from €40 to €240.

Local officials say the measure applies to “all public spaces, including streets”, but does however provide an exception for isolated places. Those smoking in isolated spaces may smoke outside, but must maintain a distance of at least 10 metres from other people.

The ban is the latest in an initiative launched back in 2021 aimed at improving the city’s air quality. Officials say the motive behind it is to also protect the health of citizens from the harmful effects of passive smoke inhaled by non-smokers in public spaces, especially those frequented by children.

The ban however does not apply to electronic cigarettes, more commonly known as vapes or e-cigarettes.

Milan City Council passed in 2020 an air quality ordinance for the city which called for progressive bans and reducing of smoking. In 2021, the first ban under the ordinance was put to effect, forbidding smoking in public parks, children’s playgrounds, bus stop and sports facilities.

The ban which comes ahead of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is looking to drastically improve the city’s air quality.

Milan is one of Europe’s most polluted cities in terms of air. The fashion hub is situated in the middle of the industrial Po Valley and also struggles with high amounts of emissions caused by cars and excessive road traffic.