Can I drink alcohol in the street?
It depends on the municipality: often banned in nightlife zones. At the national level, drinking alcohol in the street isn't banned in itself. However, many municipalities, with specific orders, ban consuming and taking away alcoholic drinks (especially in glass bottles) in certain areas and hours, particularly in nightlife zones and historic centres, for public-order and decorum reasons. It's always banned to sell or serve alcohol to under-18s. Public drunkenness causing a disturbance is punished with an administrative sanction. Before drinking alcohol in the street, check your municipality's orders, which vary by city and time of year.
📋 The rules
- Nationally, drinking in the street isn't banned in itself
- Many municipalities ban consumption/takeaway in zones and hours (nightlife)
- Often glass bottles are banned in certain areas
- Banned to sell alcohol to under-18s
- Public drunkenness: administrative sanction
🔓 Exceptions
- Tables and outdoor seating of licensed bars and venues: consumption allowed
- Authorised events and areas serving alcohol
- Municipal orders vary by zone, hours and time of year
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Breaching a municipal order banning the consumption or takeaway of alcohol carries an administrative sanction set by the municipality, sometimes with seizure of the drinks. Selling or serving alcohol to under-18s is sanctioned with heavy fines for the seller, and to under-16s can be a crime. Public drunkenness is punished with an administrative sanction. If drinking precedes driving, the far stricter Highway Code sanctions apply. To avoid problems, drink in authorised areas and respect local rules.
📎 Official sources
- Ministry of the Interior · Mayoral orders and urban safety →
- Normattiva · Criminal Code (drunkenness, art. 688) →
- Ministry of Health · Alcohol and minors →
❓ Frequently asked
Is drinking alcohol in the street banned in Italy?
Not nationally: drinking in the street isn't banned in itself. But many municipalities, with orders, ban consuming and taking away alcohol in certain areas and hours, especially in nightlife zones. Always check the municipality's rules.
Why can't I drink in the street in some zones?
Because the mayor can issue orders banning the consumption or takeaway of alcohol in certain areas (often historic centres and nightlife zones) and at certain hours, for public order, safety and urban decorum. Rules vary from city to city.
Can I buy alcohol if I'm under 18?
No. Selling or serving alcoholic drinks to under-18s is banned. Selling to under-16s can be a crime. The seller must verify age and risks heavy fines for selling to minors.
What's the risk of drinking where it's banned?
An administrative sanction set by the municipal order, sometimes with seizure of the drinks. The amount varies by municipality. In nightlife areas checks are frequent, especially at weekends and during events.
Is public drunkenness punished?
Yes. Public drunkenness causing a disturbance is punished with an administrative sanction. And if you then drive after drinking, the far stricter Highway Code sanctions apply, with reduced tolerance and significant penalties.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “drink alcohol street banned”
- “order alcohol nightlife municipality”
- “selling alcohol minors 18”
- “public drunkenness sanction”
- “glass bottle ban centre”
- “alcohol consumption public place”