The Warsaw city council has rejected a proposal to ban nighttime liquor sales, instead adopting a non-binding stance on limiting the negative impacts of late-night alcohol sales.
Controversial Session
The Warsaw city council held a tumultuous session on Thursday, where councilors were set to decide on a ban on nighttime liquor sales. However, instead of a binding resolution, the council adopted a non-binding stance on limiting the negative impacts of late-night alcohol sales.
Proposed Measures
The proposed measures include increased police patrols in areas heavily affected by late-night drinking, controls to limit sales to minors and intoxicated individuals, and a pilot program to restrict nighttime liquor sales in Śródmieście and Praga-Północ districts.
Criticism and Context
Many councilors criticized the solution as insufficient, pointing out that the non-binding stance has no legal consequences. The move has been seen as a political maneuver, with some speculating that Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski was “broken” and that the decision was influenced by internal conflicts within the ruling party.
Reactions and Comparisons
Critic Marcin Śpiewak commented that the adopted stance was an “over-chewed bone” and that Trzaskowski’s situation was a result of internal party politics. Other cities, such as Kraków and Gdańsk, have implemented nighttime liquor sales bans, which have reportedly led to a significant decrease in police interventions.
