With exceptions only for isolated locations where people can keep a 10-meter distance from others, smoking is forbidden under this new rule in all public venues, including city streets and congested areas. Residents react differently depending on violators paying fines ranging from €40 to €240 ($41 to $249).

While some people like non-smoking Stellina Lombardo favor the ban, others like plumber Morgan Ishak, think it excessive and an infringement on personal freedom, Lombardo underlined the two advantages of lowering air pollution and mitigating consequences of climate change: " Such a measure can help scale down the effects of pollution devastating the planet."

This initiative is part of Milan’s broader air quality ordinance introduced in 2020, which has progressively tightened restrictions on smoking, Beginning in 2021, smoking is first forbidden in parks, playgrounds, bus stops, and sports venues, The most recent action increases this ban to all public areas, therefore supporting Milan's dedication to bettering air quality and shielding people—especially young children—from passive smoking.

The prohibition excludes e-cigarettes and fits with Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic preparations. Milan, which lies in the contaminated Po Valley, regularly ranks among the most polluted cities in Europe, which supports such actions even more.

Tobacco Use in Europe and Italy

Italy has a past of leading the first smoking bans. First limitations on the nation date back to 1975 and outlawed smoking in classrooms and public transit. The restriction applied to all enclosed public areas by 2005, therefore establishing a standard for Europe. Notwithstanding these initiatives, smoking is still somewhat common; 19% of Italians smoke, somewhat below the EU average of 24%. With average €6 per pack compared to around €10 in other countries, cigarettes in Italy are also among the cheapest in Europe.

Still a major health issue worldwide, smoking is According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Italy's health ministry links smoking to 93,000 annual fatalities, which accounts for 85% of lung cancer cases—the worst kind of cancer globally.

17 countries in Europe have passed smoke-free laws; Ireland, Greece, Bulgaria, Malta, Spain, and Hungary top with the toughest policies, With 8% of its people smoking, Sweden has the lowest smoking rates in Europe; Bulgaria boasts the worst at 37%.

Other places are seeing creative ideas embraced. November saw a ground-breaking idea to phase out smoking by young people pass its first parliamentary stage in the United Kingdom , Aiming to produce the first "smoke-free generation," the measure forbids anyone born after January 1, 2009, from lawfully buying tobacco.

Milan's rigorous smoking ban captures a worldwide trend toward lower tobacco use to address environmental problems and public health concerns. Milan, one of the most polluted cities in Europe, is setting an example for other towns all around by indicating a clear path in addressing air pollution and giving inhabitants' well-being top priority.

Italy: Milan imposes toughest ban on all outdoor public smoking

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