Sorry, all. No more gelato as you gaze at the monuments of Rome. No more frittata by the Forum, no soda on the Spanish Steps, no popcorn by the Pantheon. In fact, no eating near anything famous in the Eternal City, because, since the other day, it’s forbidden. And don’t get drunk when you’re out and about – because that’s about to be forbidden as well – as is loitering late at night. The new laws will stay in place until October. Amusing this might be; a joke it is not. Read more about it on Gadling.
Photo by varmazis
You can be fined for breaking the laws, as some unfortunate visitors from Tunisia recently found out. So, tow the line, eat well away from the outdoor antiquities, and - whatever you do - don’t let a few by-laws put you off visiting one of the world’s most unforgettable places. And maybe they're a good thing; who knows? Any step towards looking after Rome’s fabulous heritage is probably well worth taking.
While we’re on the subject of things forbidden, you can also forget about that picnic you were planning in Venice. Picnicking has been banned in all public places. And for goodness’ sake don’t take it into your heads to strip off your shirt in St Mark’s Square (pictured right), because bare torsos are not permitted in that area. These days, you can’t feed the poor old pigeons there either. It’s a tough world we live in, for sure.
Photo by Tostie14