Travelers are FED UP with mandates and restrictions, but sadly some places refuse to release their iron grip.
From vaccine passports to boarded up shops and dining establishments, major cities around the world are still enacting COVID-19 restrictions.
And just when it seemed like things were finally looking up for Italy… one city just released the craziest mandate yet.
While some places around the world have banned large crowds of people, Mayor Dario Nardella of Florence had something else in mind.
In an attempt to keep people “safe,” Nardella has signed an order banning evening walks – indefinitely.
Well, until the “pandemic is over” – whatever that means!
Thanks to Nardella, six of the hottest areas in Florence are now off limits for visitors between the hours of 9pm and 6am – unless a person is already out eating or drinking in the area.
Apparently, COVID-19 only comes out at night, ha!
Naturally, locals are outraged at the latest mandate.
CNN Travel reported:
“Locals have reacted angrily to the news. Veronica Grechi, who owns a B&B in Florence, Velona’s Jungle, said the decision is “not right.”
“The squares are public — if people are behaving badly you need to make them go away, you don’t say that you can only access these places with a receipt from a bar — it’s saying you can only get access if you pay,” she said.
“It’s fine to say you can’t bring a beer along and chuck it on the ground, but limiting access — no, it’s not right.”
So many mayors are out of touch with the city they serve – falsely believing their latest ploys are actually keeping anyone safe.
Not to mention, their mandates are crushing the local economy.
People visit Florence to soak in the romance and art of the city – which includes evening strolls at night.
Sure, it’s great to experience one of the world’s most beautiful Renaissance cities during the day – but it’s just not as romantic as during the evening.
What politicians aren’t understanding is the more mandates they try and force through – the LESS travelers are going to want to visit.
These arrogant mayors act like they don’t need the business.
For example, even though tourism makes up a huge part of Hawaii’s economy, Maui Mayor Michael Victorino essentially told travelers to stay away.
In fact, Victorino actually talked to airlines hoping he could convince them to limit seats for
passengers headed to Maui to stop them from coming.
Ridiculous!
Sadly, some of these cities are going to have to find out the hard way – their mandates will only continue to destroy their already struggling economies.
So if you’re planning to book a trip to Florence this summer – be prepared.
You can have fun during the day, but during the evening your definitely limited on where you can go – unless you pay for it.
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