Milan: smoking ban on the streets from January 1, 2025

From 1 January 2025, Milan is taking a new step in its fight against pollution and smoking. The city is extending the smoking ban to all streets and public outdoor spaces, except in isolated places with a perimeter of at least 10 metres of distance from other people. This measure is part of the Climate Air Plan, aimed at halving CO2 emissions by 2050[1].

A response to the environmental and health emergency

Smoking contributes to about 7 % of fine particle emissions in Milan, according to the Regional Environmental Protection Agency (ARPA Lombardia). By reducing these emissions, the municipality aims to protect not only smokers and non-smokers from the harmful health effects of passive smoking but also to reduce the environmental impact of this smoking.

Expanded restrictions to protect public health

After a first phase in 2021, banning smoking at public transport stops, in sports facilities and in certain areas of parks, such as around children's playgrounds or places located less than 10 meters from other people, the city is now extending the ban to all outdoor public places.

From 2025, smoking will only be allowed in isolated areas that respect a minimum distance of 10 meters from any other person. This measure is accompanied by sanctions: offenders are exposed to fines ranging from 40 to 250 euros.

A still unclear framework for terraces

However, the situation of bar and restaurant terraces remains to be clarified: their classification as private or public spaces could define their inclusion in the new regulations. If these spaces are considered "public use areas", the ban will also apply to them. Otherwise, smokers will be able to continue to sit there to smoke cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes, for their part, remain excluded from this ban for the time being.

A European context in favour of smoke-free spaces

This initiative is part of a broader movement at European level. In September 2024, the European Commission recommended that Member States extend smoke-free spaces to key outdoor locations such as playgrounds, parks, public transport stops, terraces and the surroundings of public buildings. This recommendation includes new tobacco products such as heated tobacco and vaping products, in order to protect vulnerable populations, including young people.[2].

The European objective is ambitious: to achieve a tobacco-free generation by 2040, with fewer than 5% of consumers in the population, compared to 25% today. The Commission highlights the importance of these measures to denormalise tobacco and nicotine consumption, particularly among young people, who are heavily exposed to manufacturers' marketing campaigns.

With this initiative, Milan is positioning itself for cleaner air and a healthier public space. The support of the measure and the evaluation of its acceptance and effectiveness will be followed.

©Tobacco Free Generation

RK

[3] Joe Burn and Gabe Greschler, City targets online sales of flavored Zyn nicotine pouches in lawsuit, The San Francisco Standard, published September 4, 2024, accessed December 16, 2024