For many Italians, a night time ‘gelato’ is a part of their culture, but this is all set to change under a new law being introduced in the city.

Milan’s local government has filed a legislative starting paper and if passed it could see the new law come into effect very soon.

The proposal which covers 12 districts within the city, would ban all takeaway food, including pizza and drink after midnight to clamp down on noisy groups congregating on the Milanese streets.

The city’s Deputy Mayor, Marco Granelli said: “The goal is to seek a balance between socialising and entertainment, and the peace and tranquillity of residents.”

If the proposal is successful, it would apply to outdoor tables only and come into effect from mid-May and last until November, starting from 12:30am on weekdays and 1.30am on weekends and public holidays.

This is not the first time Milan has tried to ban ice cream after midnight. Back in 2013, the then mayor Giuliano Pisapia tried to implement similar measures but after a fierce backlash, including a reported ‘occupy gelato’ movement, he made a U-turn.

After backtracking, he was reported to have said: “People can eat ice cream day and night, anywhere they like.”