As of January 1, 2025, Milan, Italy’s financial and fashion capital, has introduced one of the toughest outdoor smoking bans in the country. The new law prohibits smoking in all public spaces, including streets, with exceptions only for isolated areas where smokers are at least 10 meters away from others.
Violators of the ban face fines ranging from $41 to $249 (€40 to €240). However, the ban is not applicable to those who smoke vapes or electronic cigarettes, focusing solely on traditional smoking.
The fashion city crosses smoking culture
Cigarettes have long been intertwined with fashion, often appearing on runways and evoking an image of timeless style. However, Milan’s city council aims to move past this association by prioritising public health and the environment over aesthetics.
The ban builds on a clean air bill passed in 2020, which identified smoking as responsible for 7% of all emissions in Milan and its suburbs. While the move highlights environmental concerns, it is also intended to “protect the health of citizens, including protection from passive smoking in public places,” according to the council.
How this ban was gradually implemented?
The smoking ban is the second phase of Milan’s clean air strategy. The first phase, introduced in 2021, prohibited smoking in specific outdoor areas such as playgrounds, bus stops, and sports facilities.
Smoking has already been prohibited in all indoor public spaces in Italy since 2005, with additional localised regulations introduced in other cities. For example, Turin forbids smoking near children or pregnant women outdoors, while Rome permits smoking at outdoor restaurant tables.
The ban received mixed reactions
While the law officially went into effect at midnight on January 1, Milan police did not arrest or fine any revelers. Enforcement remains a concern for local businesses and authorities.
“I agree, because I am a sporty, non-smoking person,” said content creator Chiara Ciuffini, 39. “I hope smokers can understand the need of nonsmokers who want to breathe cleaner air.”
The ban’s effects are expected to be felt during the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026, as visitors and attendees adjust to the new regulations.
A step towards cleaner air
Despite criticisms, Milan’s initiative underscores its commitment to improving air quality and reducing emissions. While enforcement may pose challenges, the move represents a significant step toward creating a healthier and more sustainable urban environment.
