Milan's ice cream ban explained: why is the Italian city clamping down on takeaways?

A new law in Milan could see ice cream banned after midnight, in an effort to protect the “tranquillity” of residents.

Marco Granelli, the deputy mayor for public security, recently announced a proposal banning the sale of not just ice cream, but all late-night takeaway food in the city’s popular nightlife districts.

Mr Granelli, deputy mayor, said: “The goal is to seek a balance between socialising and entertainment, and the peace and tranquillity of residents.”

A legislative starting paper has been filed by the city's local government. 

The proposal would ban all takeaway food, including pizza and drinks (and ice cream), after 12.30am on weekdays and 1.30am on weekends and public holidays. 

Mayor Giuseppe Sala says that this is in an effort to clamp down on noise from crowds, which is affecting residents: “A sizeable segment of the population is complaining about excessive noise,” Mr Sala said.

“In my role, I have to listen to all citizens, including those who have to work and those who want to do their business,” added Sala.

“We are seeking a balance between sociality and entertainment, the peace and health of the residents, and the free economic activity of traders and entrepreneurs,” Mr Granelli said. 

If passed, the new law could come into effect next month and last until November of this year. Selling gelato late at night is a huge part of Italian culture, so local vendors have worries about how the ban could affect families and businesses.

“What does the average Italian family do in the summer? They go for a stroll after dinner and get an ice-cream,” Marco Barbieri, secretary general for the Milan unit of Confcommercio, the Italian retailers’ association, told the Observer. “It’s a classic tradition and so it’s clear that, if you interfere with this type of cultural habit, people won’t be happy.”

He adds: “Do you think a 25-year-old is going to go home at the stroke of midnight simply because they can’t get a takeout? What about the tourists who want to eat an ice-cream after midnight? Does this administration realise what it’s doing?”

Citizens have until early May to appeal and suggest changes to the proposed law.

In 2013, the city council – under then mayor Guiliano Pisapia – tried to propose a ban on ice cream. But the proposed measure was not welcomed and failed in trying to get late-night ice-cream lickers off the streets.