Rome – On Wednesday (Jan. 1), Milan, Italy, implemented the country’s strictest outdoor smoking ban. The new regulation prohibits smoking in all public outdoor areas, including city squares, streets, and parking lots, except in locations where individuals can maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from others. The measure aims to improve public health outcomes and air quality within the municipality.

This ban builds on previous restrictions introduced in 2021, which prohibited smoking in indoor public spaces and certain outdoor areas such as bus stops, parks, cemeteries, and sports venues.

Elena Grandi, Milan’s city councilor for environment and ecology, stated that the new restrictions are a tangible step forward, benefiting all residents in terms of health and well-being. While enforcement may be challenging, the measure is expected to drive meaningful cultural change.

Notably, the ban does not apply to non-tobacco products like e-cigarettes.

Source:

Xinhua Thai News