Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski announced on October 2 a nighttime prohibition on alcohol sales in the city’s central districts, accompanied by a comprehensive security plan.
Scope of the Night‑Time Ban
During a press conference on October 2, ahead of an extraordinary meeting of the Warsaw City Council, Trzaskowski outlined a plan to restrict alcohol sales to shops and petrol stations in Śródmieście and the northern district this evening. He noted that the measure does not apply to bars and restaurants and expressed doubt that limiting night sales alone would address safety concerns.
Enforcement and Licensing Considerations
Drawing on experiences from other cities, the mayor said authorities will test the new limits, monitor their effectiveness, and evaluate whether the proposed hours are appropriate. He added that authorities will observe activity at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., before the ban takes effect, so that they can react—potentially revoking licences if serious problems emerge.
Warsaw’s Comprehensive Safety Strategy
The city is preparing a map of problem areas, a public‑awareness campaign, and a “responsible seller” training program that teaches how to handle aggressive customers and refuse sales to intoxicated or under‑age buyers. Trzaskowski also aims to strengthen law enforcement. The extraordinary session will enable the city to enact these measures, which will apply in two districts from November and in the entire city thereafter.
