Rome, Lazio, Italy – June 19, 2026 – Roman authorities have significantly escalated their efforts to curb illegal activities within the city’s vibrant nightlife scene, leading to over 200 arrests and the closure of 25 establishments since the beginning of the year. The intensified controls, initiated following a tragic incident in Crans Montana, Switzerland, and a directive from the Ministry of Interior, target issues such as public brawls, drug dealing, and excessive alcohol consumption.
25 Nightclubs and Pubs Shut Down
The number of seized nightlife venues, including discos, pubs, and even restaurants illegally operating as dance halls, has reached 25 since January. These closures have been carried out by various law enforcement agencies, including the Questore Roberto Massucci’s office and the municipal police.
Garden Club and Hangar Club Among Recent Closures
Among the most recent closures is the ‘Garden Club’ on Via delle Capannelle, which was found to be operating without the necessary public entertainment permits. Municipal police discovered approximately 1,200 patrons dancing at the venue, which also lacked safety barriers around its swimming pool, posing a significant risk to attendees. The 26-year-old organizer of the party and manager of the venue was reported and fined 5,000 euros for unauthorized food and beverage sales. Disco equipment was also seized.
Additionally, on Thursday, June 18, the ‘Hangar Club’ on Via di Torre Branca in Appio-Tuscolano was ordered closed for fifteen days by Questore Roberto Massucci. This closure followed a series of violent incidents, culminating in the stabbing of a Colombian man in early June after an altercation that began inside the club. Over the past few years, the Hangar Club has been the site of thirty public order interventions, with three occurring recently. Complaints from local residents also contributed to the decision.
Over 200 Arrests and Numerous Reports for Drugs and Alcohol
The crackdown has resulted in more than 200 arrests, with approximately 150 made by the Carabinieri alone. Nearly 300 individuals have been reported, and over a hundred young people have been flagged to the Prefecture as drug users. This includes individuals caught driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, as well as those found consuming narcotics outside nightlife venues.
In Tivoli, two individuals, an 18-year-old and a 20-year-old, received night-time residence restrictions for their involvement in a severe beating of two men on November 1 last year, following an attack by a group of youths in the town’s nightlife area. A 23-year-old man was also reported for the same offense.
Intensified Controls and Administrative Actions
The municipal police have conducted over 40,000 administrative checks on public establishments, commercial businesses, and compliance with urban police regulations. These checks have led to more than 70,000 traffic code violations and over 10,000 administrative sanctions for issues such as illegal occupation of public land, health and safety breaches, unauthorized sales, loud music, and public disturbances. Hundreds of seizures of goods from illegal street vendors and spoiled or expired food items have also been made.
During weekend controls, municipal police have initiated over 260 legal proceedings, primarily for crimes such as theft, drug possession and dealing, violence, threats, assault, and resisting public officials.
Community Concerns and Future Measures
The intensified police presence and closures are a direct response to growing concerns about public safety and order in Rome’s nightlife districts. Residents and authorities have highlighted the need for stricter enforcement to prevent further incidents.
The city of Rome is also exploring additional measures to manage the nightlife, including the deployment of
