Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed dissatisfaction with the recent Warsaw city council vote on a nighttime alcohol sales ban, citing a preferable approach to tackling alcohol liberalism’s negative consequences.
Background on the Alcohol Ban Vote
Warsaw’s city council, on September 18, considered a proposal to ban nighttime alcohol sales across the city, but ultimately adopted a modified version that restricts sales only in Śródmieście and Praga-Północ.
Tusk’s Critique of the Process
On September 22, Donald Tusk commented on the matter, stating he was not pleased with the outcome, preferring a more consistent approach to addressing the negative consequences of alcohol liberalism.
Tusk downplayed speculation about a personal conflict between Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski and Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński, saying their cooperation seemed good and that he didn’t see any political background to the vote.
Perspectives on Alcohol Policy
Tusk emphasized that limiting alcohol sales is an important issue in Poland, where access to alcohol is widespread, and that dealing with intoxicated people at night in cities is not pleasant.
He suggested that the situation could have been handled better, while acknowledging that he is not responsible for the Warsaw self-government or council votes.