For many Italians, eating ice cream late at night is part of their culture. But this habit is at risk in Milan.

The Italian city is preparing to present a new bill to ban ice cream after midnight, in an effort to protect the "tranquility" of residents.

According to Sky News, the Milanese municipality has presented a legislative document which, if approved, could lead to a ban on the sale and consumption of ice cream late at night next month.

Milan poised to ban ice cream, pizza and more after midnight after new proposed law
After a failed attempt back in 2013, Milan is once again trying to get late-night ice cream eaters off its streets - with local government proposing a new law that could come into effect next month.
SkyKieren Williams, news reporter

The proposed law, which covers 12 districts, bans the sale of all food for consumption outside establishments, including pizzas and drinks, after midnight, in an effort to crack down on noisy groups crowding the streets of the Italian city, while keeping local residents awake.

"The aim is to strike a balance between socializing and entertainment and the peace and quiet of residents," says Marco Granelli, deputy mayor of the northern Italian city.

The measure, which will come into force in mid-May and run until November, applies on weekdays from 00:30 on weekdays and at 1:30 on weekends and public holidays. In an effort to clear the streets, bars and restaurants will also have to close their terraces, notes The Guardian.

‘Do they realise what they’re doing?’ Milan takes on ice-cream sellers in war on ‘wild nightlife’
The Italian city’s attempt to help its sleep-deprived residents is denounced as a step too far
The GuardianAngela Giuffrida

Citizens have until the beginning of May to comment on the measure and suggest changes to the law. But some have already voiced their discontent.

"What does the average Italian family do in the summer? They go for a walk after dinner and buy an ice cream," says Marco Barbieri, secretary general of the Italian retailers' association. "It's a classic tradition, so it's clear that if we interfere with this kind of cultural habit, people won't be happy."

"The problem of nightlife exists, but this rule will only create losses for restaurants and bars," says Lino Stoppani, president of FIPE, a hospitality industry association.

This is not the first time Milan has tried to ban ice cream after midnight. In 2013, the then mayor, Giuliano Pisapia, tried to implement similar measures, but faced a fierce reaction to the measure, which included an "occupy gelato" movement.

Pisapia eventually backed down and withdrew the controversial bill. "People can eat ice cream day and night, wherever they want," the mayor said at the time. It remains to be seen what fate will befall the idea this time.