Outdoor seating will not be permitted in areas not regulated by local zoning plans (pianini). The measure was approved by the City Council during its last meeting. Councilor Costalonga: “This way, we favor neighborhood shops and services.”
July 31, 2026
Maria Ducoli
Outdoor seating will be banned in areas without pianini — the local area plans that regulate the occupation of public land and outdoor seating for public establishments in the old city — at least until December 31, 2029. The restriction was decided during the last meeting of the City Council, which approved the proposal of Councilor for Commerce, Sebastiano Costalonga.
The measure, already in effect until the end of 2026, has been confirmed for another three years and aims to ensure orderly management of public spaces, protecting the urban landscape, the livability of the city, and businesses that operate in compliance with the rules.
It should be emphasized that the ban does not affect new local services dedicated to residents.
“Strategic Measure”
“This is a fundamental measure for Venice, because it allows for orderly use of public spaces and protects, first and foremost, businesses that comply with the rules,” stated Councilor Costalonga. “Orderly, balanced trade, consistent with the city’s characteristics, is the foundation of a healthy economic fabric. We wanted to confirm a decision that I consider strategic for the city’s future, instead allowing new local services dedicated to residents, such as greengrocers, fishmongers, and other essential businesses, to immediately have outdoor seating. This is a measure we introduced in the last council term to encourage the return of local businesses, and it’s already yielding concrete results: the first businesses to benefit from it have been warmly welcomed by residents. This demonstrates that it’s possible to combine the protection of public spaces with support for essential services for those who live in Venice.
The Restricted Areas
The restriction applies to areas of the Old City that lack specific regulations. In the 74 areas already regulated by the so-called “pianini,” however, occupations will continue to be authorized according to the provisions established for each area. Requests relating to residential services will also remain exempt from the restriction, limited to new developments identified by municipal criteria and the relevant ATECO codes.
The areas regulated by the pianini are obviously the hottest in terms of public establishments and tourism pressure: from Ormesini to Zattere, Campo Santa Margherita, Riva del Vin and Riva degli Schiavoni, but also Campo San Polo, San Stin, and Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, to name just a few.
The goal, therefore, is to prevent other areas, currently still off the beaten track, from being transformed into open-air restaurants and bars, often at odds with the needs of residents.
Source: La Nuova di Venezia e Mestre
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