Historic centre: tighter commercial rules — transfers banned in 60

Historic centre: new commercial regulations

The municipality has updated the regulation protecting the historic centre, introducing stricter limits to preserve the commercial and artisan fabric. The transfer ban for existing businesses now covers 60 streets, including seven newly added lanes considered particularly sensitive for their historic and urban value.

Key measures introduced

• Transfer ban: in the designated streets it is not allowed to transfer existing businesses, except for relocations within the same street.
• Five-year block: for the next five years opening or transferring businesses from outside into the historic centre is prohibited in the food retail, catering, food artisan production and cooking school sectors (with limited exceptions linked to existing restaurants).
• On-site consumption: rules tightened for premises under 100 m², with stricter limits on service and public space occupation.
• Expansion prohibited: enlargements are not permitted except when necessary for service functions (kitchens, bathrooms, technical rooms) and located in contiguous spaces.
• Selected activities only: in prestigious streets and squares only context-compatible businesses are allowed (for example high fashion, bookshops, art galleries, antiques, jewellery and traditional crafts).
• Ponte Vecchio: the ban on food and drink service remains in force, prioritizing trade in jewellery and art objects.

Streets affected and exceptions

The recently included passages and historic lanes are considered particularly vulnerable. In some streets limited internal relocations are permitted, while existing restrictions continue to apply to vacant premises.

Impact on shops, residents and local initiatives

The measures are intended to preserve the commercial identity of the historic centre, protecting traditional shops and crafts that define the character of the borgo. Restrictions aim to prevent commercial homogenization and to maintain the balance between tourism appeal, residents' quality of life and local commerce.

Practical advice for operators and event organisers

• Always check municipal regulations before planning openings, relocations or temporary events.
• For markets, fairs and festivals consider formats that highlight local craft and products, compatible with historic-centre rules.
• Work with trade associations and municipal offices to identify compliant initiatives (e.g. cultural events, artisan showcases) that respect the bans.
• If you own commercial premises, propose uses that preserve the site's historic identity to improve the chances of obtaining future authorisations.

For official information, contact the relevant municipal offices or consult the urban regulation documents to view full lists of affected streets and procedures for any exemption requests.