Italian city bans 'ethnic' kebab shops because they lack decorum

Move is reportedly attempt to maintain tradition in the UNESCO World Heritage site

(Rex Features)

Kebab shops and fried fast food shops are to be banned from opening in Verona in order to preserve the city’s 'decorum’.

A ruling that prevents the opening of new restaurants that sell deep-fried fast food, or serve mostly ‘ethnic’ dishes, was passed in the UNESCO World Heritage site this week after a surge in kebab shops in the city.

“Thanks to this provision there will be no more openings of establishments that sell food prepared in a way that could impact the decorum of our city,” Verona Mayor Flavio Tosi told The Telegraph.

“This protects not only our historic and architectural patrimony of the city centre, but also the tradition of typical culture of the Verona territory.”

But while officials claim they are attempting to preserve the ‘traditional’ appearance of the Italian cities, the move has been criticised by some who believe it discriminates against immigrants.

The rules follow those of Florence, where city officials reportedly cracked down on the placement of fast food establishments as well as minimarkets, internet cafes and phone call centres could operate, with similar rules currently being considered in Venice.

The establishments targeted in what Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro told the Telegraph was an attempt to prevent the ‘Disneyfication’ of the city are often run by Chinese or Muslim people, who may be disproportionately affected by the changes.