· As far as I know, in Italy everyone is asked to lodge ID with hotel managers on arrival; Italians lodge their ID cards and non-Italians their passports. They are kept for 24 or 48 hours and then returned. Italians are used to the idea and never query it, but my understanding is that hotel managers use the details to fill in forms for the police - to ensure you are not a terrorist or otherwise wanted. If it can be said that this practice hinders free movement within the European Union, it may be that Italy could be challenged by the European Commission, but if the practice is for internal security, goes no further than necessary for the purpose and is applied in a way that does not discriminate between Italians and non, then it is difficult to see Italy dropping this practice. Sean Williams should remember that when you visit a country, you are expected to comply with local laws and customs.

V. Hawksworth