Catania and Oristano approve new outdoor seating regulations

The municipal council of Catania approved a comprehensive regulation for outdoor seating (dehors) of bars and restaurants. The rule divides the city into three zones, sets a maximum five‑year concession period, requires technical project approval and allocates half of the concession fees to urban regeneration. In the historic centre (Zone 1) only tables, chairs and umbrellas are permitted, while Zones 2 and 3 allow increasingly larger structures.

In Oristano, the council also voted to expand the permissible area for outdoor tables and chairs and to introduce seasonal derogations from April to October. The amendment, passed with 13 votes in favour, ties the use of external spaces to the payment of the local TARI tax and authorises police checks on undeclared areas. Both cities present the measures as a way to support local commerce while maintaining urban order.