Venice bans kebab shops to 'preserve decorum' of city

New law also limits sale of pizza by the slice

'We want to put the brakes on types of activities which are not compatible with the preservation and development of Venice’s cultural heritage,' tourism chief says (GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images)

Venice has banned new kebab shops and other fast-food restaurants from opening to "preserve decorum and traditions" in the canal city.

The new law will also limit the number of shops selling pizza by the slice, but shops selling artisanal ice cream will be spared.

“We want to put the brakes on types of activities which are not compatible with the preservation and development of Venice’s cultural heritage," said Paola Mar, the city's tourism chief, according to The Guardian.

The city does not object to kebabs or fast food in principle, she said, adding that she does not have a problem with people eating outside.

“The problem is that with a tourist city like ours, there is a risk of it losing its identity," she said.

"There are local products that we must try to promote, this would be better for the spirit of the city and, at an environmental level, would be more sustainable.”

She also said there were plans to develop picnic areas to deter visitors from eating takeaway food in tourist hotspots.

Last year, Verona also banned kebab and other fast food shops to preserve the city's "decorum".

The ruling came in response to a surge in kebab shops in the city.

City officials in Florence also cracked down on the placement of fast food establishments, as well as minimarkets, internet cafes and call centres.