The Italian city of Milan has banned smoking on all streets.

(CLO) Since January 1, smoking outdoors and in public spaces in Italy's fashion capital Milan has been completely banned.

The new ban applies to all public spaces, including streets, squares and crowded areas. However, smoking will still be allowed in private spaces, provided smokers maintain a minimum distance of 10 metres from others. Those who break the ban will be fined between 40 and 240 euros.

Electronic cigarettes, also known as vapes, are not covered by the ban, allowing users to continue using them in public areas.

Photo:GI

The strict ban is part of Milan's strategy to reduce the impact of air pollution. From 2021, the city has started to impose smoking restrictions in public parks, children's playgrounds, bus stops and sports facilities.

It is also part of an air quality ordinance passed by the city council in 2020, which aims to gradually reduce smoking in public spaces.

According to local officials, the initiative is aimed not only at improving air quality but also at reducing the risk of exposure to secondhand smoke for residents, especially children and non-smokers. Smoking in public places is considered a major cause of increased risks related to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Milan is now among the most polluted cities in Europe, affected not only by industrial emissions from the Po Valley but also by heavy traffic.

With this extended ban, Milan hopes to significantly improve air quality before the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics take place.

Hoai Phuong (according to AFP, milan.zone)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/thanh-pho-milan-cua-y-ra-lenh-cam-hut-thuoc-la-tren-ca-duong-pho-post328545.html