The Italian city of Padua recently passed an “anti-kebab” law to make sure the local food culture survives as ethnic foods become more popular.
The new law goes into effect Saturday and forces restaurants and cafes to make sure “at least 60 percent of products” offered originate from the northeastern region of Veneto. (RELATED: Italian Region Passes ‘Anti-Mosque Laws’ To Stop Constructions)
The restriction has nothing to do with preserving the environment or boosting the local economy. The mayor instead wants to make sure the local food culture remains intact during a time when ethnic foods grow in popularity.
Massimo Bitonci, Padua’s mayor, banned all kebab shops when he was mayor of Cittadella in 2011.
Verona is another Italian city that has been going after foreign establishments this year. Officials decided to stop any new restaurants intending to sell “ethnic” food from obtaining a license to operate.
“Thanks to this provision there will be no more openings of establishments that sell food prepared in a way that could impact the decorum of our city,” Verona Mayor Flavio Tosi said when the ban was imposed in February, according to The Telegraph. “This protects not only our historic and architectural patrimony of the city centre but also the tradition of typical culture of the Verona territory.”
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