At a glance
- I could not find a provision in Zurich’s general police rules that bans adults from drinking in all public places across the city. That alone does not confirm that drinking is allowed in a particular park, facility, or event.
- Signs prohibiting alcohol, facility rules, and temporary measures for festivals or match days take precedence over general rules.
Outdoor Beer Decision Guide
Rules to Check in Each City
This information covers Zurich and designated zones in Milan and Florence. It does not automatically apply to other cities or other parts of the same city.
Zurich’s general police rules alone cannot confirm whether drinking is allowed in a particular park. Check on-site signs about alcohol, containers, and event restrictions. If the rules are unclear, drink at an authorized restaurant or your accommodation. Observe quiet hours at night.
- BlatterwieseGoogle MapsAn example of a daytime picnic. Check on-site signs and event restrictions first.
Milan's posted notice confirms that Ordinance No. 29 for Lazzaretto-Melzo runs from June 11 to November 2, 2026. Ordinance No. 49 has also been posted, so check the city notice on your visit date to see which activities—selling, bringing in, or consuming alcohol—and which containers are restricted. If the notice is difficult to understand, do not open alcohol on the street; order it at a permitted shop with seating.
- Central Lazzaretto-Melzo areaGoogle MapsA reference point for the zone covered by the temporary measure in 2026.
In Florence’s historic centre, distinguish rules on business sales, takeaway, and service in public spaces. Do not use this article to confirm the current hours or whether drinking is allowed in a particular piazza. If you cannot check on-site signs and city notices, use an authorized restaurant or your accommodation.
- Piazza del Duomo, FlorenceGoogle MapsA reference point for locating Florence’s historic centre.
How to Choose Where to Drink
If you want a drink while walking by the lake in Zurich during the day, first check for alcohol-ban signs and event restrictions. If it is hard to confirm the local rules at a tourist spot in Milan or Florence, the simplest option is to order at an authorized table in a bar or restaurant.
Common Points of Confusion
The cited rules in Milan and Florence mainly restrict businesses from selling alcohol, offering takeaway, and serving in public spaces. They do not, by themselves, mean that all drinking by visitors is prohibited. Follow any separate alcohol-ban signs or temporary orders. Before drinking, save the last bus or tram home and its stop. If you miss the last service, use a ride-hailing service or taxi. Do not ride a bike or scooter or drive after drinking.
Under Zurich’s general police regulations, quiet hours are 22:00–07:00, and 23:00–07:00 on Fridays and Saturdays during daylight saving time. These are quiet hours, not permitted drinking hours. For operating restrictions in the two Italian cities, check the orders for the specific zone, business type, and date of your visit.
This guide does not give one fine amount for each city. Fines may vary by ordinance and type of violation, so if you cannot check a sign or ask staff, it is best not to open your drink.
A can may be a safer choice than a glass bottle, but it is not a legal exception. If a rule covers all containers or all drinks, cans are included. Do not open your drink where signs prohibit alcohol or restrict containers.
If plans change
Do not open your drink; go to an authorized restaurant or your accommodation. At a bar or restaurant, check the menu for the beer price and any table charge before ordering.
Restrictions on sales or on bringing alcohol into an area may differ from usual. Check announcements from the city and police on the day.
Small tip
Canned beer is also prohibited where signs ban alcohol. A rule that bans glass bottles is different from one that bans alcohol itself. Check which containers and activities the sign prohibits.
Final check before departure
- Finish your park picnic while it is still light, and do not drive after drinking.
- Follow on-site signs about alcohol bans, container restrictions, and event controls, as well as instructions from police or site staff.
- Check the City of Milan’s notices for Ordinances No. 29, 30, and 49 to find the order and zone map that apply on your visit date.
- Distinguish business rules in Florence’s historic centre from temporary orders for your visit date, and check on-site signs about alcohol bans and container restrictions.
- Do not leave empty bottles or cans behind.
As of September 6, 2026, rules in the three cities vary by area, time, and event. Milan posted Ordinances Nos. 29 and 30 in June, then added Ordinance No. 49 on August 21. According to the city's notice, it applies from August 30 to September 28. Do not assume the existing Lazzaretto-Melzo notice covers every rule for your visit date; check the latest ordinance for restricted areas, times, and activities. Do not interpret Florence's restrictions on businesses selling or serving alcohol as a ban on travelers drinking in every public place.
Information checked: 2026-09-06