Florence bans eating in streets of historic city centre

The new measure aims to reduce visitor congestion in four of the city’s busiest streets

Last year, the mayor of Florence hosed church steps to prevent tourists from congregating to eat food (istock)

Visitors to Florence’s historic city centre could face fines of up to £450 for eating in the streets.

The new ruling, which came into force on 4 September, is part of an effort to reduce congestion in the narrow streets of the city. Tourists tend to crowd around food outlets in these areas, making access difficult.

Four streets – Via de' Neri, Piazzale degli Uffizi, Piazza del Grano and Via della Ninna – are affected by the new law, which will remain in place for four months.

The restrictions will apply from 12-3pm and from 6-10pm, peak eating times, and are also hoped to reduce litter.

A bilingual sign, directing visitors to “respect residents, traders and workers of this street”, has been circulated to local businesses, who have been advised to display the flyer prominently, according to The Local.

Many local residents are frustrated with the influx of tourists who congregate in the historic streets, which house one of Florence’s most popular sandwich shops, All'Antico Vinaio, and the busy Gelateria dei Neri. Neither establishment reportedly has the space to accommodate the high volume of visitors that flock to the respected eateries.

Roberta Pieraccioni, the President of the Via de’ Neri residents committee, was reported to say that he hoped the new initiative would “restore a bit of decorum to our street".

One of the flyers instructing people not to eat during peak times

The city’s mayor, Dario Nardella, described the measure as “not punitive, but a deterrent".

"If tourists behave in Florence as they would at home then they will always be welcome, especially if they want to try our gastronomic specialities."

It’s not the first time the city’s mayor has caused controversy. In summer 2017, he ordered the steps of churches in the city to be hosed down in an effort to prevent tourists from gathering to eat their food.

Florence is one of a number of European visitor hotspots, such as Venice and Barcelona, attempting to achieve a fine balance between the needs of tourists and those of local residents.