No, vaping indoors in Italy is prohibited under national smoke-free laws unless venues have designated, separately ventilated areas. The Decreto Legge 12 gennaio 2013, n. 3 (implementing EU Directive 2014/40/EU) treats e-cigarettes as tobacco products, barring indoor use in public spaces. Regional authorities like the Regione Lombardia have further tightened rules via Legge Regionale 18/2022, mandating strict enforcement in hospitality venues. Compliance shifts in 2026 may expand restrictions under the Piano Nazionale della Prevenzione 2025-2030, aligning with WHO anti-tobacco frameworks.
Key Regulations for Vaping Indoors in Italy
- Public Spaces: Vaping is banned in enclosed workplaces, bars, restaurants, and transport hubs per Legge 3/2013, with fines up to €2,500 for violations.
- Hospitality Exemptions: Hotels and B&Bs must provide fully partitioned, mechanically ventilated smoking rooms; e-cigarette use in common areas remains illegal.
- Regional Variations: Local decrees (e.g., Delibera 2023/XI/001 in Emilia-Romagna) may impose additional bans in parks or near schools, enforceable by municipal police.
Enforcement falls under the Ministero della Salute and Istituto Superiore di Sanità, with compliance audits targeting non-compliant venues. Businesses violating indoor vaping rules risk license suspension and administrative penalties under Decreto Legislativo 6/2016.