Confesercenti Pushes for Rules to Protect Local Businesses at San Polo Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest San Polo has been announced for three weekends in September in the San Polo area, featuring a food and drink setup with capacity for more than 3,000 people. The move has raised concerns from Confesercenti Lombardia Orientale, which is calling for a review of how temporary events are scheduled and for an assessment of their impact on local bars, restaurants and pubs.

Confesercenti’s deputy vice president, Andrea Maggioni, said the association is not against events but believes any initiative that affects the hospitality market should be examined for consequences for local businesses, including advance consultation and stricter controls. The group, also represented by Emilio Zanola, warned that concentrating consumer spending during the festival could hurt venues that carry fixed costs and provide year-round employment, especially amid slower consumption and changing habits; it also urged the city administration to discuss statements by Commerce Councillor Andrea Poli about a potential permanent area for major events with trade representatives.
Italian Version