FLORENCE CRACKS DOWN ON MUNCHING TOURISTS

Florence has fired a fresh salvo in its long-running battle against the effects of mass tourism by banning visitors from eating panini, pizza and focaccia on the pavement and on shop doorsteps. Tourists who find themselves on the wrong side of the law, which comes into effect Wednesday, face fines of between C$225 and $750.

The ban applies to streets and piazzas around a particularly popular delicatessen in the city centre — All’ Antico Vinaio, the Old Wine Merchant — near Florence’s medieval town hall. It has enjoyed a surge in popularity after being favourably reviewed on TripAdvisor.

The new ordinance will remain in force until Jan 6 and could be extended. The ban applies from noon until 3 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.