by Guisela Chiarella
As Rome prepares to debate a ban on smoking in outdoor public areas of its historic center, a broader conversation is taking shape across Italy: should other cities follow suit? And could Trieste, with its breezy seafront and bustling piazzas, be among the first to take the lead?
The proposal in Rome, put forward by Councillor Lorenzo Minio Paluello of the center-left RomaFutura civic list, seeks to align the capital with cities such as Milan, Amsterdam, Melbourne, and New York, where outdoor smoking restrictions have already been implemented.
Rome’s measure would apply to Municipio I, encompassing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The goal is to protect public health, citing smoking as a leading cause of respiratory, cardiovascular, and oncological diseases. The proposal also addresses the hazards of passive smoking and the environmental impact of cigarette litter.
Trieste, with its elegant historic core and strong winds that sweep across the Gulf, is no stranger to public health discussions or environmental challenges. While the city enjoys cleaner air than many Italian urban centers, the idea of a smoking ban in popular pedestrian areas—such as Piazza Unità d’Italia or the Barcola promenade—raises important questions about quality of life, public wellness, and the image of a modern, forward-looking Trieste.
Milan already offers a blueprint: a ban on smoking in all outdoor public spaces, including streets and parks, aimed at reducing health risks and pollution. Could Trieste benefit from a similar policy?
As the capital leads with its proposal, it may be time for Trieste to start its own conversation. In a city that blends tradition with innovation, a move toward smoke-free public spaces might just mark the next step in its evolution.
