A US tourist in Rome has been slapped with a €450 ($450) fine for eating and drinking while perched on the edge of a historic fountain, in accordance with local regulations meant to preserve the city's dignity amid growing tourism.

Around 1 a.m. on Saturday, a 55-year-old man chose the Fontana dei Catecumeni's edge to enjoy a late-night snack, according to local police reports provided to Dinogo.

Police stepped in after the man was seen eating and drinking at the fountain, violating regulations meant to protect these historic monuments from damage.

The Fontana dei Catecumeni was constructed between 1588 and 1589 by the renowned architect and sculptor Giacomo della Porta and underwent restoration in 1997.

The fountain has been protected by laws established in the 1970s, aimed at preserving Rome's historic fountains, statues, and other cultural treasures.

Stricter regulations, introduced in 2019, place a stronger emphasis on preserving the city's “environmental decorum” amidst the challenges of overtourism.

Last weekend, local police conducted over 300 checks, with officers on street patrols enforcing various regulations, including controlling the noise levels in bars.

The city's rules also include prohibitions on street drinking, organizing pub crawls, and swimming in the public fountains.

Police have the authority to issue fines and even ban individuals from specific areas for up to 48 hours. Those who offend repeatedly could face bans lasting up to 60 days.

When the 'decorum' laws were enacted, the city council explained they were designed to address a wide range of urban issues, with a particular focus on safeguarding Rome's rich artistic and cultural heritage.

The regulations were also created in response to the challenges of overtourism, which has become a major concern for Rome, as the city struggles to manage the overwhelming influx of visitors. Prior to the pandemic, Rome welcomed around 10 million tourists annually.

There have been several recent incidents where the new regulations have been violated.

In May, border police detained a 37-year-old man from Saudi Arabia at Milan's international airport after a rented Maserati was driven down the iconic Spanish Steps in Rome and left abandoned.

A month later, two American tourists were fined and temporarily banned from the city center after causing damage to the steps while riding electric scooters.