Milan to Enforce Near-Total Ban on Outdoor Smoking in Public Spaces from January 1, 2025, with €240 Fines for Violations

Dec 29, 2024, 11:23 AM

Milan, Italy's second largest city with over 1.3 million residents, is set to implement a near-total ban on outdoor smoking in public spaces starting January 1, 2025, with fines of up to €240 for violations. The city's council aims to improve public health and reduce smog, as tobacco smoke contributes to 7% of fine dust emissions in the region. Smokers will be allowed to light up only if they maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from others. Milan has already banned smoking in playgrounds, cemeteries, bus stops, parks, and sports facilities since 2021. The new regulation applies to traditional tobacco products but does not extend to electronic cigarettes. This measure is expected to help reduce the approximately 9,000 annual deaths in Italy attributed to tobacco consumption.