Rome is implementing strict summer regulations for alcoholic drinks, starting this weekend. Outdoor drinking is limited, and there’s a curfew on take-away sales, among other measures
It’s similar to bans imposed other years, except that it covers more of the city—all but one of its 15 districts. The exception, Ottavia, is the home of Mayor Virginia Raggi, leading to protests by restaurant and beverage industry owners and workers, who fear a loss of business.
In protest of the rules, some of them have organized a Facebook campaign calling for mass parties, to gather and drink in her neighborhood on Saturday evening. They’ve even published a list of good roads and squares to meet at. It’s drawn a big online response.
“We don’t want the Roman summer evenings to be ruined by episodes linked to excessive consumption of alcohol,” Raggi said in a statement. Apparently she has more faith in her own neighbors’ good behavior.
