Italian municipalities tighten rules for tourists against alcohol excess and inappropriate behaviour

As emerges from a statement by the responsible authorities, they see a particular risk during the nighttime hours. "Nachts sind sie nicht nur anfällig für Verkehrsunfälle oder körperliche Übergriffe, sondern auch besonders gefährdet, Straftaten wie Vandalismus zu begehen, Drogen und Alkohol zu konsumieren, mit Jugendkriminalität in Berührung zu kommen oder allgemein abweichendes Verhalten an den Tag zu legen, das die öffentliche Sicherheit gefährdet", reads a justification.

Nighttime alcohol ban at Lake Como

At popular tourist destinations in southern Italy, administrations are also tightening their course. In Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast, strict rules for the consumption of alcohol in public as well as a nighttime sales ban have already been in place for some time. The city wants to use these measures to prevent the historic alleyways and squares from being overwhelmed by noisy partygoers.

In Praia a Mare in Calabria, Mayor Antonino De Lorenzo is resorting to a particularly restrictive instrument. He has issued an ordinance banning alcohol on public squares, in force between 8 pm in the evening and 6 am in the morning. In addition, the sale of alcohol in the immediate vicinity of public buildings has been restricted.

Resistance in Varenna

The new rules are not met with approval everywhere. Resistance is forming in Varenna: local councillor Roberta Nesto criticised the measures as disproportionate and called for a review. Local business owners fear losses in revenue because young travellers in particular like to spend their evenings with a glass of wine in the piazza.

Supporters point out that the municipalities are responding to concrete problems with the ordinances. Residents had repeatedly complained about noise, litter, and nighttime drinking sessions. The fines are intended to deter and at the same time make the work of the police easier.

The actual amounts payable for violations differ from municipality to municipality. While Cavallino-Treporti is announcing moderate penalties, Varenna has already set higher fines. According to the administrations, controls are also to be stepped up, particularly during the evening and nighttime hours.

What travellers need to know now

For travellers, the new legal situation means that they should find out about local regulations before starting their journey. Travel associations recommend checking the official websites of the respective municipalities. Under Italian administrative law, violations can be sanctioned directly on the spot, with a subsequent request for payment in the home country possible.

The development is part of a European trend: in Spain, France, and Greece, municipalities have also taken sometimes drastic measures against disruptive behaviour by tourists in recent years. The background is the debate about a balance between tourism and the quality of life of the resident population.

With the start of the 2026 high season, Italy's seaside resorts now face the challenge of actually enforcing the new rules. In Cavallino-Treporti, Varenna, and Sorrento, the administrations announced increased police patrols. Whether the measures will have the desired effect will become clear in the coming weeks.

Observers also see the ordinances as a signal: the municipalities are taking residents' complaints seriously and trying to noticeably reduce the pressure on public space. Tourism should continue to be welcome, but within clear limits.