As Venice tries to reduce the impact of mass tourism, the city has banned the opening of any takeaway food outlet for the next three years. It is an attempt to reduce the number of tourists snacking on church steps, historic bridges and canal banks, spoiling the aesthetics of what should be one of the most romantic and refined cities in the world. Eating in the streets and piazzas of the World Heritage attraction also produces litter and encourages unwelcome flocks of pigeons and seagulls. Large herring gulls have been known to snatch food out of people's hands. The Venetian authorities are now saying "basta" (enough) to new pizza outlets, kebab shops and street food stalls. The regulation covers not only Venice but also the outlying islands of Murano and Burano, which are popular with visitors. Murano is famed for its centuries-old tradition of glass-blowing and does a thriving trade in selling handmade ornaments, vases, bowls and chandeliers. Venice has struggled for years to impo...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.