If you’re planning a trip to Italy this summer then it’s important to know the rules. There is one little-known law that applies to residents and tourists alike, but it’s much more likely to catch out visitors.
That’s because it focuses on one of the things most tourists always carry with them – a water bottle. On the Italian island of Capri in the Gulf of Naples, single-use plastics are banned. The island sees around 2.7 million tourists a year, so it was crucial to try and stop the impact of this tourism.
That means plastic bags, bottles, straws and utensils are illegal on the island. Although the ban has been in place for several years, experts at John Mason International Movers say it still catches people out all the time.
Executive director Simon Hood said: “The island’s authorities are becoming increasingly worried about the effects of the growing tourism numbers on the local population and environment.
“In 2019, a ban on single-use plastics came into force, banning plastic bags, cups, utensils, water bottles, straws and even coffee stirrers. Authorities have been empowered to fine those caught swigging from a plastic bottle up to €500 [around £435] – it may seem excessive, but it is well intentioned.”
He said that the ban often catches people out, because they don’t expect it.
Simon explained: “Capri isn’t a municipality historically recognised for environmental work. The long-standing association of the island being a hotspot with movie stars, A-list celebs, and influencers has traditionally meant many of these concerns were ignored but mass tourism has seen changes come thick and fast in recent years.”
The ban is mostly aimed at bars and restaurants, but the majority of Capri’s tourism comes in the form of daytrippers who take the ferry to the island from Naples. These people are very likely to carry a single-use water bottle with them – and that’s how they get caught out.
Simon said: “It’s something that would catch me out; the ban aimed at bars and restaurants has influenced what can be bought and sold locally. But for the day trippers, the likelihood you’ll bring a non-biodegradable plastic bottle on your trip is high.
“Considering this, I’d say think twice and consider whether you want to run the risk of receiving a €500 fine.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
