To reduce air pollution, Milan, the northern major city of Italy, will ban outdoor smoking starting January 1 of next year. The ban covers all open public areas including roads, except for secluded suburban areas where a 10-meter distance from others can be maintained.
The ANSA news agency reports that starting January 1, 2025, Milan will ban outdoor smoking. This is the latest phase of measures under the “Air Quality Regulations” passed by the Milan City Council in 2020. According to these regulations, smoking is prohibited in all public places or outdoor spaces unless smokers can ensure a distance of more than 10 meters from other people.
To reduce air pollution, Milan has implemented regional and climate plans in phases. Since 2021, smoking bans have been enforced in public areas such as bus stops, parks, green spaces, cemeteries, and stadiums. From January 1, 2025, the smoking ban will expand to all public areas.
According to the regulations, the ban is limited to tobacco products, but the use of e-cigarettes is allowed. Milan City official Grandi explained that the smoking ban is intended to raise public health awareness, recognizing that cigarettes not only harm smokers but also pose risks to everyone around them. Data shows that cigarette smoke accounts for 7% of fine dust pollution in the Lombardy region where Milan is located.
Grandi pointed out that this ban symbolizes how individual behavior can impact the overall environment and is widely supported by the scientific community. As a smoker, she will be the first to change her habits, “I know this regulation cannot be achieved simply or immediately, but I also believe this will be the beginning of a true cultural change.”
According to the regulations, local police will be responsible for monitoring and penalizing offenders, who will face fines ranging from 40 to 240 euros (187 to 1121 Ringgit).