Disturbing tourists is forbidden on Capri: fines up to 694 euro with the anti-petulance ordinance

On Capri, tourists are not to be disturbed. This was established by the anti-petulance ordinance issued by the island's mayor, Paolo Falco. No room for insistent promotions. A rule that applies to shops, bars and restaurants. It is forbidden to approach tourists to show menus, brochures, maps, flyers advertising services. And the penalties are heavy and include the suspension of business for three days.

In detail, the ordinance prohibits 'carrying out on public areas and grounds any activity of intermediation and/or promotion of offers of goods and services, including itinerant advertising in any form or by any means'. It prohibits 'the carrying out of mediation activities, the promotion of catering activities, by personnel placed outside the premises or promotion by sellers of retail articles'. It is also 'forbidden to approach residents and tourists by displaying menus, brochures, flyers, maps and any type of advertising material'.

The ordinance also establishes the sanctions provided for offenders for holders of public land (Article 20, paragraph 4, of Legislative Decree 285/1992): 'whoever illegally occupies the roadway is subject to an administrative fine, which can vary from a minimum of 173 euro to a maximum of 694 euro'. In addition to the pecuniary sanction, 'there is also the accessory sanction of the obligation to remove the unauthorised works at one's own expense'.

And in the event of reiteration of the conduct, 'the accessory sanction of suspension of the activity, after warning, for up to three days' is provided for. The legislation provides that suspension can only be applied after a warning or a formal warning to cease the violation. A reduced fine will be applied to the other subjects, 'as established by subsequent resolution of the municipal council pursuant to Article 16 paragraph 2 of Law 689/1981'. The law allows an administrative fine to be paid in a reduced amount, instead of the full amount. Payment must be made within 60 days of the notification of the violation or the notification of the details of the violation. The sum to be paid is calculated as one third of the maximum penalty provided for, or, if more convenient, double the minimum penalty.

 The National Consumers Union approves. Full support from the Isola di Capri delegation of the Unione Nazionale Consumatori. "No more wild intermediation, pressure on consumers and irregular occupation of public land". The trade union ordinance, writes the Union on Facebook, 'has finally put a stop to abusive intermediation, itinerant advertising and the improper occupation of public land along the island's streets and squares. It is a long-awaited, courageous and necessary decision that responds to the concrete need to protect citizens and tourists from invasive commercial conduct, often carried out by unauthorised subjects who operate in total disregard of the rules, distort competition and deceive consumers'.