Florence extends UNESCO rules until 2031: ban on new food and drink

Extension and new restrictions for Florence's historic centre

The city council has approved a five-year extension of the UNESCO regulation governing economic activities in Florence's historic centre, prolonging protective measures until 2031. The move aims to preserve the commercial character and livability of historic streets by limiting the establishment of new food and beverage outlets.

Key changes

• Ban on new food and drink openings across large parts of the historic centre: new bars, restaurants and similar premises will face restrictions in many protected streets.
• More streets under heightened protection: additional roads have been added to the list where stricter rules apply regarding permitted activities.
• Restrictions on license transfers: transfers of food and beverage businesses into particularly sensitive squares and streets are prohibited.
• Rules on cooking schools and ATMs: new limitations regulate the presence of cooking schools and the placement of ATM machines outside retail premises.
• Limits on floor space increases: any permitted increases for food-related businesses are limited to service areas (kitchens, bathrooms, technical rooms).
• Ban on unassisted on-site consumption in premises with usable area under 100 sqm: no unassisted consumption on company furnishings is allowed in units below this threshold.

Specific areas and permitted activities

In certain high-value commercial streets and squares (including areas around the Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio and central piazzas), the rules allow only high-end activities in case of new openings — for example, luxury fashion retail, galleries, bookshops, antiques and jewelry shops. On Ponte Vecchio the sale of food and drink remains prohibited; only precious objects and related trade are allowed.

Scope and affected categories

The updated regulation also extends some provisions to "agricultural entrepreneurs" and tightens controls on license transfers into streets recently added to the protected lists. Overall, the number of streets subject to enhanced protection has increased compared to the previous regulation.

Political and administrative response

The resolution passed with support from some political groups and abstentions or opposition from others. Supporters emphasize protecting the centre's identity and residents' quality of life, while critics call for a more balanced approach that better reconciles protection with legal and economic flexibility.

What this means for residents and local businesses

• For residents: greater protection of the urban landscape and reduction of intrusive tourist-driven activities.
• For businesses: stricter limits on opening or relocating food and beverage venues; preference given to high-value cultural and commercial enterprises.
• For visitors: a historic centre with a more regulated commercial offer, intended to enhance heritage value and visitor experience.

Date of decision: April 14, 2026.