Milan backs down on plans to ban ice cream after midnight following widespread criticism

30 April 2024, 14:30 | Updated: 30 April 2024, 22:27

Milan has once again backed down on attempts to ban ice cream from its streets after midnight.

Following widespread criticism, the city's council has U-turned on its plans that would have cracked down on late night snacking on its streets.

The council claimed the proposed ban was to protect the "tranquility" of residents, but for many a late-night gelato is a part of Italian culture.

Earlier this month, Milan's local government filed a legislative starting paper which would have banned the serving of ice cream and pizzas outdoors in the northern Italian city late at night, starting from 17 May.

However, following a widespread backlash, security councillor Marco Granelli has said the local government has backed down.

He said the new law will instead focus on drinks, especially alcohol, and ice cream and takeaway foods will not be banned.

"We can say right now that ice cream is not the item we are interested in and will be excluded from the bans," he said.

"About other food, we are testing different technical options."

The local government will "collect observations" on the matter until 10 May, Mr Granelli added.

The proposed ban would have covered 12 districts, kicking in from 12.30am on weekdays, and 1.30am on weekends and public holidays, applying to outdoor tables only.

Mr Granelli previously said: "The goal is to seek a balance between socialising and entertainment, and the peace and tranquility of residents."

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The decision to abandon the ban has been praised by the president of the Italian Federation of Businesses.

Lino Enrico Stoppani told Sky News: "The anti-ice cream law was absurd and was a devastating message for the tourism we live on."

Mr Stoppani also hit out at the local government for increasing taxes and instead called for the municipality to "first combat illegal activities and increase law and order".

This is not the first time Milan has made an attempt to ban ice cream.

Back in 2013, the then mayor Giuliano Pisapia tried to implement similar measures.

But he too faced a fierce backlash, including a reported 'occupy gelato' movement, which led to him backing down.

He was reported as having said after backtracking: "People can eat ice cream day and night, anywhere they like."

(c) Sky News 2024: Milan backs down on plans to ban ice cream after midnight following widespread criticism