Milan’s Bold Smoking Restrictions Leave Smokers Searching for Space

Milan is redefining outdoor smoking norms with new laws requiring smokers to maintain a significant distance from others, leaving many to adapt to these changes.

As of January 1, 2025, Milan has made a historic move by becoming the first major Italian city to impose significant restrictions on outdoor smoking. The new regulations dictate that smoking is only permitted in “isolated areas” that allow smokers to keep a distance of at least 33 feet from other individuals. This initiative marks a continuation of Italy's efforts to curb smoking, following previous laws limiting tobacco use in indoor public spaces like cinemas and restaurants.

The origin of this regulatory shift can be traced back to Italy's cinematic history, exemplified by films like Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita,” which portrayed a society where smoking was an integral part of the cultural fabric. However, in a bid for healthier public spaces, authorities have pushed beyond prior bans. Deputy Mayor Anna Scavuzzo expressed that these measures not only aim to reduce smoking rates but also to minimize secondhand exposure for non-smokers. "People will smoke a little less, which is good for their health and everybody’s health," she stated.

With Milan touted as a global hub for fashion and design, visitors have traditionally associated outdoor cafes and bustling streets with a cigarette in hand. Yet, those arriving for events such as this month’s fashion week will find a transformation; gone are the ashtrays on tables in trendy neighborhoods like Navigli, as they adapt to a new culture where smoking is relegated to more secluded areas.

This monumental policy shift seeks to reshape not only the city’s image but the health and behavior of its residents and visitors alike. In a rapidly changing Milan, the future of outdoor smoking continues to evolve amid societal health considerations.