Milan has banned smoking in outdoor areas and public spaces.

Smoking in open areas and public places in Italy's fashion capital, Milan, is now prohibited.

This was reported by Euronews, as conveyed by Ukrinform.

The citywide ban in Italy's second-largest city, Milan, takes effect on January 1 and is the strictest smoking prohibition in the city to date.

Violators of the new laws will face fines ranging from 40 to 240 euros.

Local authorities state that this measure applies to "all public places, including streets," but exceptions are made for isolated areas. Those who smoke in such areas outdoors must maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from others.

This ban is the latest step in an initiative launched back in 2021 aimed at improving air quality in the city. Officials say that the goal of the ban is also to protect the health of citizens from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, which non-smokers inhale in public places. Children are particularly affected by this.

However, the ban does not apply to vapes or electronic cigarettes.

In 2020, the Milan city council adopted a decree regarding air quality in the city, which includes a gradual ban and reduction of smoking. In 2021, the first prohibition was enacted, banning smoking in public parks, playgrounds, bus stops, and sports fields.

The ban, which is being implemented ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, aims to significantly improve the city's air quality.

Milan is one of the most polluted cities in Europe in terms of air quality. The city also struggles with high levels of emissions caused by cars and excessive traffic.

As reported by Ukrinform, according to the World Health Organization, harmful habits, processed foods, and fossil fuels contribute to the deaths of 2.7 million people annually in Europe, accounting for approximately 24.5% of total deaths.