Milan bans outdoor smoking from 1 January. What the ban stipulates
The ban that has already been in force since 2021 will therefore be extended in some specific areas such as public transport stops, parks and green areas, cemeteries and sports facilities
2' min read
2' min read
Only a few days left and then from 1 January it will be practically forbidden to smoke outdoors in Milan. With the new year, in fact, the new phase of the Air Quality Regulation approved by the City Council in 2020 will be triggered, which will ban cigarettes "in all public areas or areas for public use outdoors" unless the distance of 10 metres from other people can be respected.
According to the City of Milan's Area and Climate Plan for the reduction of air pollution, the ban that has already been in force since 2021 will therefore be extended to some specific areas such as public transport stops, parks and green areas, cemeteries and sports facilities. As of 1 January 2025, the municipality explains, 'the smoking ban in the city will be extended to all public areas or areas of public use outdoors, including streets and roads, with the exception of isolated areas where the distance of 10 metres from other people can be respected'.
The ban only concerns tobacco products, while the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) is permitted. This second step "is first and foremost an awareness-raising action that aims to discourage lifestyles that we know are harmful to the health of all people, not just smokers," explains Environment and Green Councillor Elena Grandi. Cigarette smoking, according to data from Arpa Lombardia, is in fact responsible for 7% of fine particulate emissions.
"We are therefore talking about a measure that is intended to be a concrete action that will benefit everyone, both in terms of personal health and general wellbeing," he continued. "The behaviour of individuals can make a difference and contribute to improving the air quality of our city, so, as a smoker, I will be the first to change my habits: I am aware that enforcing this measure will not be easy or immediate, but I am also convinced that it will be a tool to initiate a real cultural change.
Councillor Grandi said she was 'delighted that this measure is finding the support of the scientific world and we hope that the entire scientific community, by sharing this measure, can contribute and help us in our work to raise awareness of the harm of smoking'.
