Smokers in Italy's financial and fashion capital of Milan risk being fined for lighting up on city streets or crowded public areas, after the country's toughest ban comes into effect Wednesday.

Smokers in Italy's financial and fashion capital of Milan risk being fined for lighting up on city streets or crowded public areas after

Milan, Italy has announced a strict smoking ban in public areas starting January 1, 2025. This initiative aims to improve air quality and protect residents from passive smoking. The ban is part of Milan's long-term plan for healthy urban living.

In the Italian city, those caught lighting-up on crowded streets could be fined up to €240. On Newstalk Breakfast, Tobacco Free Ireland Research Institute Director General Professor Luke Clancy said Ireland should “take note” from what Milan is doing.

Cigarettes have long been associated with fashion so much so that lit cigarettes remain an occasional feature of runways. Smoking, like the color black, seems to never go out of style in the fashion world.

Milan has introduced Italy's toughest smoking ban, outlawing smoking in all public spaces, including streets, starting January 1, 2025, CNN News reports. Smokers caught outdoors could face fines ranging from $41 to $249 (€40 - €240) unless they are at least 10 meters away from other people.

The Italian city of Milan on Wednesday began enforcing strict limits on smoking tobacco products to improve health outcomes and municipal air quality.