What is Florence doing to protect its historic city center?

Florence is introducing a wide-ranging ban on outdoor dining in its UNESCO-protected historic center, prohibiting outdoor seating on 50 streets and imposing stricter regulations on 73 other locations.

Why are residents of Florence demanding a crackdown on restaurant terraces?

Residents have complained that the proliferation of restaurant terraces has been blocking narrow streets and damaging the city's appearance, turning central streets into an "obstacle course."

How will the new rules in Florence impact local restaurants?

Restaurateurs have warned that the ban on outdoor dining and stricter regulations will hit businesses that are already struggling with rising costs, with one affected restaurant owner saying outdoor tables are "fundamental" for her establishment.

Home / Lifestyle / Florence Bans Outdoor Dining in Historic Center to Preserve Heritage

Florence Bans Outdoor Dining in Historic Center to Preserve Heritage

17 Nov

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Summary

Florence to ban outdoor dining on 50 streets in UNESCO-protected area
73 locations face stricter rules on umbrellas, barriers, and weather coverings
Residents complain restaurant terraces block narrow streets and damage city's appearance

Florence Bans Outdoor Dining in Historic Center to Preserve Heritage

In a move to preserve the historic character of Florence, the city is preparing to introduce a sweeping ban on outdoor dining in its UNESCO-protected center. The new rules, set to come into force next year, will prohibit outdoor seating on 50 streets within the protected area. An additional 73 locations will face stricter regulations, including limits on umbrellas, barriers, and weather coverings.

The decision follows complaints from local residents that restaurant terraces have been blocking narrow streets and damaging the city's appearance. Residents have urged the council to take further action, demanding caps on the number of outdoor tables allowed. Some neighborhood groups have written to the mayor demanding a crackdown on the proliferation of terraces, fencing, and menu boards that have turned central streets into an "obstacle course."