Milan has banned the consumption and sale of alcohol to young teenagers in an attempt to curb disorder and a growing number of social problems.
Parents of children under the age of 16 caught drinking wine or spirits will be liable to heavy fines of up to 500 euros ($US700). Fines will be also imposed on shopkeepers or bar owners who serve them.
The city says a third of 11-year-olds have alcohol related problems.
The BBC reports a national law banning the sale of alcohol to under-16s in Italy is only loosely enforced.
For centuries, wine was given to children to drink in preference to water which was often polluted.
