Warsaw is evaluating two proposals to restrict nighttime alcohol sales: one by the mayor (11:00 PM–6:00 AM) and another by the Left/Miasto Jest Nasze faction (10:00 PM–6:00 AM). District opinions are split, with Rembertów and Ursus opposing both, while Śródmieście supports the idea but disagrees on start times.
Background on the Proposals
Two proposals under review
The City Council of Warsaw sent two draft resolutions to districts in July, aiming to limit nighttime “takeaway” alcohol sales. President Rafał Trzaskowski’s proposal includes a ban from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM, with a three-month preparatory period before implementation. The Left/Miasto Jest Nasze faction’s alternative sets the cutoff at 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM and proposes a shorter transition period. The restrictions would apply exclusively to shops and fuel stations, excluding restaurants and bars.
District opinions and decision-making
Early responses are mixed: Rembertów and Ursus rejected both proposals, while Śródmieście has started committee work. Most council members favor the restriction but differ on the start time—some propose 11:00 PM, others advocate for 10:00 PM. While district opinions are not binding, they will influence the final decision, which the City Council will address after gathering feedback from all districts.
Legal framework and public consultations
The proposals are based on Article 12, paragraph 4 of the law on upbringing in sobriety and preventing alcoholism. Local councils may impose a 10:00 PM–6:00 AM nighttime sales ban for the entire city or specific districts. However, a resolution requires input from districts. Public consultations in May–June 2024 saw nearly 9,000 residents support a citywide nighttime ban. Critics argue the results are not reliable, noting that 9,000 participants do not represent the broader population, while others suspect local activists and their networks may have skewed the data.
Public safety and health concerns
Citizens on Chmielna Street in Śródmieście have reported disruptive overnight noise from terraces and pedestrian traffic. The district has deployed city patrols and police interventions in the area. Despite urban revitalization projects, the issue remains a key factor in debates over nighttime alcohol sale timings in the city center.
Examples from other cities
In Poland, similar bans are already in place in over 300 municipalities. Recent months have seen major cities like Konin adopt resolutions, with police reporting significant declines in incidents related to public disturbances. Data from other cities reveals varying models: some apply bans citywide, while others target only central districts.
Key arguments in favor of the restriction
Public order and safety: A nighttime sales ban could reduce noise complaints and law enforcement interventions in areas with high nightlife concentration. Cities that implemented such bans report measurable improvements in public order statistics.
Public health: Late-night availability encourages public drinking and “cross-drinking” between venues and residences, which increases harm and intervention costs.
Clarity for businesses: The resolution standardizes rules for all outlets during specific hours, making enforcement easier than sporadic disorder control actions.
Compliance with local law: Legal frameworks allow tailored solutions for the city or selected districts, including territorial differentiation.
Potential drawbacks and criticisms
Shifted burdens: Critics warn about increased illegal trade (“melina”) and redirected sales to neighboring municipalities or earlier hours, as seen in some Warsaw districts.
Economic impact on small shops: Nighttime sales are a critical revenue source for some stores. Shorter hours may reduce profitability without guaranteeing less noise in problem areas.
Unequal treatment of areas and industries: A districtwide ban would also include regions with minimal issues, while targeting only shops and fuel stations—excluding bars and pubs—creates perceived unfairness in the trade sector.
Enforcement costs: Implementation requires constant monitoring and collaboration between authorities. With limited resources, effectiveness may depend on enforcement priorities.
Current status of the proposals
District councils are still reviewing the proposals, with Rembertów and Ursus opposing both, and Śródmieście supporting the principle but divided on timing. Both plans focus on “takeaway” sales in shops and fuel stations. The legal basis allows a 10:00 PM–6:00 AM window with territorial flexibility. Public consultations in 2024 demonstrated broad resident support for a nighttime restriction.
Source: MiejskiReporter, Źródła
