Milan Cracks Down on Smoking with Toughest Ban in Italy

Smokers in Milan, Italy's financial and fashion capital, are now facing fines for lighting up on city streets or in crowded public areas. This new ban, which took effect on January 1, 2024, is the strictest in the country and aims to improve air quality and protect public health.

The ban prohibits smoking in all public spaces, including streets, with the exception of isolated areas where individuals can maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from others. Those who violate the ban face fines ranging from €40 to €240.

While some residents, like plumber Morgan Ishak, view the ban as an excessive restriction on personal freedom, others, like non-smoker Stellina Lombardo, applaud the measure for its potential to reduce pollution and protect public health.

Milan's air quality ordinance, passed in 2020, has progressively implemented stricter smoking bans. In 2021, smoking was prohibited in parks, playgrounds, bus stops, and sports facilities. The latest ban extends this prohibition to all public spaces.

Local officials emphasize that the measure aims to improve air quality, protect citizens from passive smoking, and contribute to the fight against climate change.

This ban comes ahead of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and is part of Italy's ongoing efforts to combat smoking. Italy's first national smoking ban was implemented in 1975, and the country has since expanded restrictions on smoking in various public spaces.

Despite these efforts, Italy's smoking rate remains above the European Union average, with approximately 19% of Italians smoking. However, the country's relatively low cigarette prices compared to other European nations may contribute to this statistic.

Italy's health ministry estimates that smoking causes approximately 93,000 deaths annually. The World Health Organization highlights that smoking is responsible for roughly 85% of lung cancer cases, the deadliest cancer worldwide.

With this latest ban, Milan joins a growing number of European cities and countries implementing smoke-free legislation. Notably, Britain recently passed a proposal to phase out smoking among young people, aiming to create the country's first "smoke-free generation."

While the effectiveness of these bans remains to be seen, they represent a significant step towards protecting public health and reducing the harmful effects of smoking.