Two recent initiatives, one private and one public, are aimed at curbing underage drinking and the incidence of intoxicated drivers.
Responding to Istat figures showing that alcohol abuse is increasing among Italy’s youth, Coop supermarket executives recently announced that sales of alcohol to those under age 18 are now prohibited. The ban is national, extending to all of Coop’s 1,300 supermarkets, and as of January 1, when those purchasing alcohol must provide identification.
Locally, as Florence takes a firm stance against drinking and driving, authorities will install coin-operated breathalyzer machines in all city car parks. The one-euro test provides a blood-alcohol count in just seconds. Machines are scheduled to be installed in nine lots during the first weeks of 2009: Parterre, Piazza Beccaria, Piazza Ghiberti, Piazza Alberti, Fortezza, Santa Maria Novella train station, and the Porta a Prato lots.
