In the Italian beach city of Mare, in the south of the country, the arrival of summer brought more than sun, tourists and animation. Local authorities have decided to advance with an unusual measure: a mandatory nighttime collection for children under 14, unaccompanied by adults, due to the increase in disturbances recorded during the bathing season.
According to the Italian media, the ordinance signed by the mayor, Antonino de Lorenzo, came into force this week and will remain valid until September 30. The decision arises after a series of incidents involving young people at night, including vandalism, improper use of electric troties and other behaviors considered disturbing.
Collection touch between midnight and a half and seven in the morning
The measure prohibits minors not accompanied by circulating, remaining or meeting in public spaces between 00:30 and 07:00. The municipality argues that this is a response to what describes as a “growing emergency” in a locality where the population almost doubles during the summer months due to tourist pressure.
According to the Municipal Ordinance, young people become more vulnerable during the night, not only to physical risks and deviant behaviors such as alcohol and drug consumption, or exposure to environments linked to juvenile delinquency.
Fines for minors and parents
Failure to default the new standard may cost 100 euros to the smallest caught up on the streets, outside the allowed time. Already the responsible adults – usually the parents or legal tutors – risk a fine of 250 euros if they do not fulfill the duty of supervision. In case of recurrence, the value may be aggravated.
It writes the Italian newspaper that the municipality of Calabria is in his arms with a rapid growth in the number of visitors, which aggravates the pressure on public services and multiplies conflict situations in public spaces, especially at night.
The tension between tourism and local life
Mare Beach is known for its beaches and the intense flow of tourists in July and August. Like other Italian coastal locations, it tries to find a balance between the economic dynamism brought by tourism and the preservation of the quality of life of residents.
The new regulation has generated criticism between some parents and tourists, who consider the excessive measure, but also has the support of several residents who say they are “fed up with noise and confusion” after sunset.
According to the mayor Antonino de Lorenzo, the decision to collect mandatory was made to “protect the younger ones and restore public order”, at a time when living in urban spaces becomes increasingly difficult due to the increase of the floating population. The municipality ensures that the measure will be revised at the end of the high season.
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