The proud city of Florence has passed new regulations to force shops in the historic city centre to sell at least 70% of local, traditional produce.
The move is an effort to reduce the number of fast-food outlets cropping up which detract from the city’s traditional fare, such as kebab shops and mini-markets selling low quality foreign products in an effort to catch the tourist euro.
The centre of Florence is a World Heritage site which millions of people visit every year.
“One new restaurant opens every week in the historic centre. Mass-produced foods are replacing our traditional trattorias and historic food shops: we have to put an end to it,” said Mayor Dario Nardiella who feels the city is losing its character.
He said the large number of shops and restaurants catering for tourists could damage the traditional feel of the centre.
“Deregulation by previous governments has removed controls on what food products can be sold, which has led to a distortion of the centre's food culture."
Now traders will have to select products from a long list drawn up by the region of Tuscany which features Italian products, particularly locally sourced items.
“The ruling is retroactive for all shops, but not restaurants, in the historic centre,” council spokesperson Stefia Crivaro said, adding that they have three years to meet the 70% requirement.
Some ethnic outlets may find exemption. "A five-man commission working to ensure the city's food culture and feel of the historic centre will grant approval to businesses that don't want to sell local produce on a case-by-case basis."
The scheme could be adopted by other historic cities.
“We've been getting lots of calls from councils up and down the country who are curious about the idea and are hoping to introduce something similar to their historic centres," Crivaro added.
