A printer includes a support structure the is fixed in use, and in which a receptacle is formed for receiving a roll of paper tape. The printer also includes a cover hinged to a rotation axis substantially parallel to the unwinding axis of the roll of paper tape, and which is oscillatable between a closed position and an open position in which it covers and uncovers the receptacle, respectively. The printer also includes a printing device carried by the support structure, and a transport roller for paper tape unwound from the roll of paper tape, cooperating with the printing device. The cover includes a control member arranged on a flank of the cover and operable manually to disable a latching system and unlock the cover from the closed position. A control member is connected to the operating element, which may be rotated according to the opening direction of the cover.