City authorities have banned any new takeaway food shops from opening in the historic centre, after new legislation ruled such businesses were "incompatible" with the city's cultural heritage.
That includes kebab shops, fast food outlets, and kiosks selling pizza by the slice. In fact, only artisanal gelaterias will be allowed to set up shop. .
When contacted by The Local, Venice councillor Francesca Da Villa, who proposed the measures, was unable to comment, but she said in a statement that the growing number of takeaway food spots had led to "a lowering of the food's quality, and a negative perception of the city".
According to Da Villa, deregulation of food and drinks businesses during the past few decades has put both the environment and "historical fabric" of the lagoon city at risk, as well as its "authentic identity".
As for those businesses which have already set up shop, they will be allowed to stay open as long as they comply with new rugulations.
The move came just days after Venice's council unveiled a raft of new measures aimed at limiting tourist numbers in the crowded city.
These included the installation of people-counters at some of the most popular sites, tourist maps aimed at highlighting lesser-explored areas, and more police officers on patrol to tackle unruly behaviour.