Anti-poverty charity hits back after homeless people banned from Italy beauty spot
Holiday hotspot bans beggars as tourists hit town
- Portofino's mayor, Matteo Viacava, introduced a decree on 19 May banning non-threatening begging in tourist areas during peak season, from 14 July to 30 September.
- Antonio Mumolo, president of Avvocato di Strada (National Association of Street Lawyers), has labelled the new rules "unlawful" and threatened legal action.
- The anti-poverty charity filed a formal notice on 26 July, giving the municipality 15 days to withdraw or amend the ordinance.
- Avvocato di Strada accused Mayor Viacava of "waging war on the poor" and punishing "the very condition of poverty", not illegal behaviour.
- The group argues that banning "non-nuisance begging" targets vulnerable people, saying it cannot be a crime in Italy to ask for food.