Bologna, August 23, 2026 – “To all our friends. We are stopping. After yet another inspection by the Municipal Police – this time to measure the centimeters of our tables and the color of the umbrellas – we have decided, out of exasperation, to stop. We hope to see you again soon, in a calmer atmosphere.” Davide Arcangeli, in front of his venue ’InCantina’ on via del Carro, decided to display these signs.
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A clear message addressed to the Municipality and the Local Police
A clear message, addressed to the municipal administration and the local police. “A choice that is not born from impulse, but taken after a process. Enough, we won’t stand for this, we are closing. With great bitterness, it is the end of a journey,” says Arcangeli, administrator of the Dozza Events Group which, in collaboration with the Emilia-Romagna Regional Wine Shop, manages the InCantina project, opened in 2020.
The owner’s accusation: “They clung to everything, never seen anything like this”
The decision was definitively made on July 29. According to administrative sources, on that day the following issues were contested: warning for irregular outdoor area extension, for unauthorized umbrellas and because it obstructs pedestrian passage, irregular sign (sanctioned ex post) and unauthorized music (sanctioned on the spot). “For weeks I tried to have a dialogue with the Municipal Police. In the last inspection, they came to measure the centimeters of our tables, the color of the umbrellas, the cushions, the curtains, the tables, the radio. They clung to everything, never seen anything like this,” continues Arcangeli who, before making this decision, consulted with his partners.
“I saw a persecution against us”
According to the administration, three inspections were carried out in August to verify the warning on the outdoor areas, but the venue, after the decision made by Arcangeli, was always closed. In previous years, however, an inspection was carried out in September 2025, following reports from citizens, and one in August 2024, also following reports and with three sanctions. “I saw a persecution against us – continues Arcangeli –. We come from years of via crucis in the area: the flow on via Zamboni has decreased due to the Garisenda construction sites and then the tram works at a distance have impacted everyone. We asked ourselves, what is happening? Why us? A question we ask ourselves if one day we want to reopen. Why this persecution in a historic context, the center, which is suffering?”.
“I would like to talk with the Municipality to know what is wrong with us”
Hence Arcangeli’s request directed to Palazzo d’Accursio: “I would like a table with the Municipality to know what we do or have that is not good. With our venue, we have also contributed to the regeneration of the via del Carro area. And, near us, from San Vitale to piazza Verdi, at night it’s the Wild West. I see a persecution against us.” Arcangeli says he has received support and gratitude from the Jewish ghetto community. “We have a corner of cleanliness and security, involving many Emilia-Romagna wine companies. At this point, I will take the project to Rimini and leave Bologna,” concludes Arcangeli who, at least for now, has decided not to reopen.
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