Rome has toyed with temporary rules and now Mayor Virginia Raggi not only made them permanent, there are 500 new vigili urbani (police) to enforce them.
In Rome the city police will have the power to hand out fines and ban people from public areas.
Here’s what you need to know.
1 No More Gladiators
Tourists will no longer be able to have their photo taken in the Eternal City with a costumed gladiator/centurions. The city accusses them of over-charging and harasssing tourists so if caught they will now be fined up to €400.
2 Selling Admission to Attractions on the Street
Also will attract a fine of up to €400.
3 Drinking on the Street Between 10pm - 7am
This rule was temporary and has now become a permanent offense. It is also illegal for grocery stores to sell alcohol between these times.
4 Bars Must Stop Serving at 2 a.m
Apparently the city may review this for special festivals and celebrations.
5 The Spanish Steps
Eating or drinking near historical monuments like the Spanish Steps or one of the main fountains in the city could get you a nasty fine.
6 The Trevi Fountain
Is one of the city's magnets for tourists behaving badly.
Mayor Gaggi has said "We need to protect our city, and good behaviour is important".
Apparently tourists have already been fined €450 each for jumping into the Trevi Fountain.
7 Offending Tourists
Can be fined or banned from the area for up to 48 hours, repeat offenders for up to 60 days.
8 So the moral of the story
The video above shows Anita Ekberg splashing about in the Trevi Fountain in La Dolce Vita.
Our suggestion... don't do it!!
Rome’s new crackdown comes weeks after the city of Florence said it would start hosing down the steps of its historic churches with water in a bid to deter tourists from sitting and eating in streets and on stairs.
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