The Italian city of Milan wants to introduce a law to ban the sale of takeaway food after midnight. The reason for this is to help local residents sleep. Many people have complained to the local government about the noise on the streets at night. There are often large and noisy groups of late-night revellers in downtown Milan. Local officials have decided to ban all takeaway food and drink in 12 districts of the city. Some of these areas are well known for their "wild" nightlife. The takeaway ban means people would not be able to buy pizza or ice cream after 12:30 a.m. on weekdays and after 1:30 a.m. at weekends and on public holidays. It would come into effect from mid-May and last until November.

Milan's deputy mayor explained why the ban was important. He said: "The goal is to seek a balance between socialising and entertainment, and the peace and tranquillity of residents." However, there are also many people who oppose the ban. A spokesperson for an Italian retail association said the ban on post-midnight food and drink would not stop the noise. He said: "A rule banning people from drinking a bottle of water or eating an ice cream or pizza while taking a stroll…won't solve a thing, as people will still stay outside." He asked: "Do you think a 25-year-old is going to go home at the stroke of midnight simply because they can't get a takeout?" He added: "What about tourists who want to eat ice cream?"