The Warsaw City Council will vote on two proposals for a nighttime alcohol ban, amid a reported conflict within the Civic Platform (PO) party.
Background of the Conflict
The Warsaw City Council’s Social Policy and Family Commission has negatively assessed two proposals for a nighttime alcohol ban. The proposals, set to be voted on during a city council session, aim to restrict alcohol sales between 11 PM and 6 AM, or between 10 PM and 6 AM.
Proposals and Their Implications
The first proposal, submitted by President Rafał Trzaskowski, would limit alcohol sales in stores and gas stations from 11 PM to 6 AM. The second, more restrictive proposal, submitted by the Left and the “Miasto Jest Nasze” association, would shift the ban to start at 10 PM. Both proposals exempt restaurants and bars.
Conflict Within PO
The move has been met with resistance, reportedly driven by a conflict between President Trzaskowski and Marcin Kierwiński, head of PO’s Warsaw structures. Kierwiński allegedly pressured councilors to reject the proposals, with one councilor stating that Kierwiński personally called and warned them of consequences if they supported Trzaskowski’s project.
Reactions and Next Steps
Radny Jan Mencwel from the Left-Miasto Jest Nasze club described the opposition as “ununderstandable” and suggested it was driven by purely political motivations. The council’s decision is expected during a Thursday session.