Poland’s coalition government faces internal pressure as Polska 2050 and Lewica propose stricter alcohol laws, including nighttime sales bans at fuel stations.
New Legislative Proposals
Polska 2050 has submitted a bill to increase penalties for violating alcohol promotion bans and expand restrictions on advertising and promotional activities.
The bill, as described by Wioleta Tomczak, vice-chair of the Sejm’s health committee, aims to tighten regulations on alcohol packaging and marketing, including loyalty programs and price promotions.
Lewica’s Supporting Proposal
Lewica is backing Polska 2050’s initiative and introducing its own project, which also includes a nighttime ban on alcohol sales at fuel stations.
The proposal, prepared by Joanna Wicha and Wojciech Konieczny, is set to be presented in the Sejm.
Government Stance
However, Minister Maciej Berek stated that the government is not currently working on a project to ban nighttime alcohol sales at fuel stations.
Warsaw’s Alcohol Debate
Last week, Warsaw’s city council had a tumultuous session discussing a nighttime alcohol ban, ultimately rejecting the proposal but adopting a stance on a pilot program in certain districts.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed his disappointment with the outcome, suggesting that Warsaw should follow examples from other municipalities tackling the consequences of “liberal alcoholism.”
