Ignored Smoking Ban in Milan's Public Spaces: Understanding the Predicament
Outdoor smoking ban enforced in Milan, yet frequently disobeyed by the public - In Milan, an unfavorable smoking law prevails, eliciting public discontent.
By Pia Schreiber
Time to Read: 5 Mins
The sun warms Riccardo's face as he nonchalantly violates a new rule. Since the beginning of the year, Milan has implemented a stringent outdoor smoking ban across public spaces, which includes city streets, parks, and crowded areas. The fines for disobeying can amount to anywhere between 40 to 240 euros [1].
- Milan
- Tobacco Ban
- Italy
- Air Quality
- Lombardy
Despite the ban, it seems the city's smokers are taking their chances, largely ignoring this new rule. One might wonder, is the legislative measure a step towards cleaner air, or merely an empty gesture?
In 2025, Milan extended its anti-smoking initiative to public spaces, culminating in a comprehensive outdoor ban [1]. While the law poses stiff fines, enforcement remains a challenge [1]. Surprisingly though, smoking in public areas continues to thrive unabated.
It's worth noting that the ban does not apply to e-cigarettes [5]—a concerning factor given the potential negative impact these devices might have on air quality.
While specific data measuring the ban's immediate effect on air quality in Lombardy are hard to come by, it's widely anticipated that eliminating smoking in public spaces would bring about air quality improvements [2]. The rationale being, secondhand smoke is a significant contributor to air pollution, and reducing its presence can help decrease pollutants like nicotine, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter [2].
Moreover, the ban could lead to a decline in smoking-related health issues, contributing to a healthier environment for both smokers and non-smokers [3]. By limiting smoking in public areas, we can reduce secondary smoke exposure, leading to better air quality and less exposure to harmful pollutants.
However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the actual impact of the ban would require further monitoring or research to establish its efficacy [4]. For now, Milan's smokers continue to graze on the city streets, seemingly undeterred by the law, leaving us to contemplate the future of cleaner air in this metropolis.
[1] https://www.smokefreeitaly.it/milano-vota-il-regolamento-per-il-proibito-fumo-in-spazi-aperto/[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondhand_smoke[3] https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-health-effects-of-tobacco-smoke[4] https://www.milano.it/home-milano/notizie/archivio-notizie/milano-risparmia-28-milioni-di-euro-nel-anno-per-il-proibito-fumo-in-spazi-aperto[5] https://www.healthline.com/health-news/e-cigarettes-harmful-to-bystanders#:-:text=While%20e%20cigarettes%20expose%20people,advantage%20of%20smoke%20exposure%20to%20secondhand%20smoke.
- The continued noncompliance with Milan's outdoor smoking ban in public areas raises questions about the effectiveness of the city's employment policy in enforcing such rules, as the persistent smoking suggests a lack of deterrence and the need for policy modifications.
- As Milan strives to improve air quality through its community policy, it might consider extending its home-and-garden policies to include restrictions on smoking in outdoor spaces, given the thriving use of e-cigarettes in public areas and their potential impact on air quality, thus promoting a healthier lifestyle for its citizens.
