Food Regulations
Conditions in civil life are comparatively good. Of course, there are many restrictions, above all in food conservation and supply. Prices have increased, but so have salaries. There are no unemployed, and the working classes generally are prosperous.
War conditions required three meatless days per week, as in the other countries of the Allies. Cards were given for bread, sugar, coal, olive oil, macaroni and rice. That the quantity allowed to each individual was sufficient was proved by the fact that the authorities often received offers to diminish the rations of some families who found they had more than they needed. The use of gas was limited to meal hours for heating, and for illumination until ten o'clock at night.
Hall of the Great Council, Ducal Palace, Venice. [1]
On the floor may be seen in rolls paintings taken from ceiling and wall
Ceiling showing spaces from which art masterpieces have been removed
No restrictions were placed on the use of electricity in most city homes, although street illumination was diminished and in certain cities in the advanced zone was abolished entirely, as a defensive measure. The abundance of electricity is explained by the fact that it is very often generated by water power, as, for instance, in Rome.
Restaurants must send to the authorities a list of food furnished, with prices charged for each portion, or for the whole meal, or for the week. They must indicate also any extra charges, and the reason for such charges. The authorities will approve the menu only if it corresponds with normal or prescribed prices, and a copy, stamped and signed by an authorized person, must be exposed to the public where it can easily be seen.