Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski announced plans to introduce a nighttime alcohol sales ban in the districts of Praga Północ and Śródmieście starting November 2024.
Initial Steps and Timeline
Rafał Trzaskowski informed on September 25 that he had discussed the nighttime alcohol ban with Civic Coalition allies. He stated that an extraordinary city council session would be held next week to approve the ban in the two districts, with a full-city ban set for June 1, 2026.
The mayor emphasized that the ban would be accompanied by a comprehensive program of around a dozen actions, including additional patrols and safety monitoring.
Rationale and Public Support
Trzaskowski explained that the initial ban would be tested in central districts to gather data before expanding it citywide. He noted that most Warsaw residents support the measure, calling it a step in the right direction.
Previous Debates and Decisions
Last week, Warsaw City Council rejected a proposal by the Left and the Miasto Jest Nasze association for a 22:00 to 06:00 alcohol sales ban. Instead, the council approved a pilot program in Śródmieście and Praga Północ, with unofficial reports suggesting Trzaskowski planned to reintroduce a citywide ban soon.
A city official stated that the pilot program would demonstrate the ban’s effectiveness in reducing public disturbances and police interventions, with expectations that it would eventually be extended across Warsaw.
