A fine of 370,000 won for smoking on the street... Which city has banned outdoor smoking?

I hope our country can become like this too 😊

No outdoor smoking except in isolated spaces within 10 meters

Areas identified with severe air pollution and high levels of fine dust concentration

[Seoul Economy]

Milan, known as the financial and fashion hub of northern Italy, will implement an even stricter smoking ban policy starting this year.

According to local media reports such as Italy's ANSA news agency, starting from the 1st (local time), smoking is prohibited in all outdoor areas in Milan except for isolated spaces where a minimum distance of 10 meters from others can be maintained. Violators will be fined between 40 euros (approximately 60,000 won) and 240 euros (approximately 370,000 won). However, electronic cigarettes are not subject to this regulation.

This measure was implemented based on the 'Air Quality Law' enacted by the Milan City Council in November 2020 to reduce fine dust and respond to climate change. As a result, smoking has been prohibited in public places such as bus stops, parks, sports facilities, stadiums, cemeteries, and children's playgrounds since 2021, and this year it has been expanded to all outdoor locations where the 10-meter distance regulation cannot be maintained.

Milan in Italy was the first known area to extensively restrict outdoor smoking. Milan, located in the Lombardy Plain, is considered one of the cities with the most severe air pollution in Europe. While fine dust levels remain high, city authorities have identified cigarette smoke as a significant contributor to fine dust-causing substances.

Milan authorities expect this measure to significantly improve air quality ahead of the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics. Indoor smoking has been legally prohibited in Italy since 2003.

Reporter Park Kyung-hoon (socool@sedaily.com)