Westminster Council Guastafeste ban Bar Italia flags

Council killjoys have demanded that a large banner stretching

from Soho’s famous Bar Italia across Frith Street towards Ronnie Scott’s, be

removed, for reasons that remain unclear.

The iconic eatery is currently festooned with Italian flags

and bunting, but apparently the banner which reads; “Forza Azzuri” (or ‘Good

luck Italy’ to you and I) is a step too far for the bods in Westminster. Just

hours after the banner was put in place, planning enforcement officer order the

owner, Tony Polledri to remove it or run the risk of legal action. Refusing to

comply, Signor Polledri has instead emailed London Major, Boris Johnson, stating

that the presence of Italian flag has been a long tradition for the last

remaining piece of Italy Soho.

Polledri told the Independent: "They can do what they like. The banner

stays until after the last kick of the World Cup."

Though he hasn’t had a response as yet from Boris, Polledri

is determined to keep the flag flying. I certainly would be disappointed to see

the flag go, Soho should be a colourful, diverse place and I feel Bar Italia

has earned its stripes and the right as one of the longest serving eateries in

Soho to continue this long tradition.