Cremona, Italy – A fresh business venture is sparking conversation in the historic city of Cremona, Italy. Amidst a backdrop of struggling local commerce, a new shop, “Il vizietto” (The Little Vice), has opened its doors on Via Giordano, 83. The establishment, a sex shop, is drawing attention not only for its nature but also for its unique entry procedure – requiring customers to scan their national health card to verify they are over the age of 18.
The opening comes as many businesses in Cremona, and across Italy, face economic challenges. Reports indicate a decline in traditional retail activity in both city centers and peripheral areas. Cremona Sera details the contrast between closing storefronts and the sudden illumination of this new, unconventional business.
A Nod to Italian Cinema History
The name “Il vizietto” is a deliberate reference to the 1978 Italian film of the same name, directed by Edouard Molinaro. The film, an adaptation of the French comedy “La Cage aux Folles,” starred Ugo Tognazzi and Michel Serrault. Molinaro’s direction received an Academy Award nomination in 1980. The choice of name is intended to inject a touch of local cultural identity into the business, acknowledging a significant piece of Italian cinematic history.
However, the film’s original Italian title was a point of contention for Tognazzi himself. According to reports, the actor strongly objected to the title chosen by the film’s distributors, believing it lacked elegance, and respect. He publicly voiced his concerns at a press conference, stating, “It’s a question of elegance, especially of taste: and of respect for certain situations and problems that the mentality of today has civilly accepted…” Tognazzi even wrote a letter to United Artists, unsuccessfully requesting a change to the title.
Concerns Over Labor Practices in the Italian Sex Shop Industry
While “Il vizietto”’s opening has generated local buzz, it also arrives amidst broader scrutiny of labor practices within the Italian sex shop industry. A recent investigation by the Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police) in the Veneto region revealed widespread irregularities, including employees working without contracts and discrepancies between reported and actual working hours. Corriere del Veneto reported that 52 workers across multiple shops in northern Italy were found to be operating under irregular conditions, leading to fines totaling 600,000 euros.
The investigation focused on the “Sexo” Srls company, which manages personnel for a chain of franchised sex shops located in cities like Mestre, San Donà, Noventa, and Treviso, as well as in the provinces of Pordenone and Lombardy. The Guardia di Finanza discovered that 28 employees had no contracts at all, while another 24 were officially employed in roles that did not reflect their actual duties or hours worked.
Government Incentives for Retail Reopening
Interestingly, sex shops in Italy may be eligible for government incentives designed to revitalize retail businesses. An amendment to the “decreto crescita” (growth decree) allows for municipal contributions to support the expansion or reopening of shops that have been closed for at least six months in towns with populations under 20,000. Il Sole 24 Ore reports that this measure, initially met with some controversy, recognizes the sector’s economic impact and the challenges it has faced.
Data from InfoCamere-Unioncamere and Movimprese, as of March 2019, indicated that there were 315 sex shops in Italy, with a concentration in the northern regions, particularly Lombardy (69), Lazio (34), and Emilia-Romagna (33). However, the sector has experienced a gradual decline in recent years, with a 5.4% decrease in the number of establishments between 2015 and 2019. This decline is attributed to economic pressures rather than moral objections.
The State of Retail in Italy
The opening of “Il vizietto” reflects a broader trend of shifting retail landscapes in Italy. The economic downturn and changing consumer habits have led to the closure of many traditional businesses, leaving vacant storefronts in city centers and suburban areas. The government’s efforts to incentivize retail reopening, even for businesses like sex shops, demonstrate a commitment to supporting economic activity and revitalizing local communities.
The use of the national health card for age verification at “Il vizietto” is a notable aspect of the shop’s operation. This method, while ensuring compliance with age restrictions, has also raised privacy concerns among some residents. The requirement to “scan” the health card to enter the shop is unusual and may face further scrutiny.
Looking Ahead
The long-term impact of “Il vizietto” on the commercial landscape of Via Giordano and Cremona remains to be seen. The shop’s success will likely depend on its ability to navigate local regulations, address potential privacy concerns, and operate in compliance with labor laws. The ongoing investigations into labor practices within the Italian sex shop industry will also play a role in shaping the future of this sector.
The next key development to watch will be any potential responses from local authorities regarding the health card scanning policy and any further investigations into the labor practices at “Il vizietto.” Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and perspectives on this developing story in the comments below.