July 29, 2025, 10:07 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Being almost coerced by pushy waiters to enter their restaurant while on vacation? In a town on Lake Garda, that’s now a thing of the past—pushy waiters there now face fines of up to 500 euros.
No Pushy Waiters, No Flyers
In the town of Torri del Benaco on the eastern shore of Lake Garda in Italy, a new municipal ordinance is now in effect. It prohibits service staff from bars and restaurants from aggressively enticing tourists into their establishments on the street. Additionally, indiscriminate distribution of flyers in front of the venues is no longer allowed.
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If businesses do not comply with these new regulations, they face fines ranging from 25 to 500 euros per incident. Many have likely experienced how annoying pushy waiters can be while on vacation. According to Mayor Stefano Nicotra, there have been repeated complaints about inappropriate behavior in the town. In one instance, a waiter reportedly grabbed passersby by the arm and seated them at empty tables. The consequence is now a fine for waiters who aggressively vie for tourists in the town on Lake Garda.
Restoring “Good Manners”
Guests should be able to freely decide where to dine, explains Mayor Nicotra to Südtirol News. Deputy Mayor Marco Salaorni also emphasizes that the new ordinance aims to restore good manners in the town. If common sense is lacking, rules must be established, says Salaorni.
According to Südtirol News, the town views the ordinance as a preventive measure to preserve the town’s image and atmosphere for guests.