Warsaw city councilors approved a pilot ban on nighttime alcohol sales in two districts, while mayors warn of broader issues.
Pilot Ban in Two Districts
Warsaw councilors on September 18 passed Civic Coalition proposals for a trial nighttime alcohol sales ban in Śródmieście and Praga-Północ. The compromise follows the mayor’s withdrawal of a citywide ban. The measures still require approval by the voivode and district councils before implementation, with the ban set to run from 11 PM to 6 AM.
Mayors Raise Additional Concerns
Praga-Północ Mayor Gabriela Szustek noted that assessing the ban’s effectiveness is premature. She emphasized the need to prevent alcohol sales to minors, stating that current regulations allow sales outside restricted hours. Śródmieście Mayor Aleksander Ferens highlighted resident complaints about noise and litter, contrasting it with stricter penalties for selling cigarettes to minors.
Public Support for the Ban
City consultations showed over 80% support for restrictions, though participation was below 0.5% of residents. A Warsaw Barometer survey indicated 60% support for a nighttime ban. In Śródmieście, only 27 of 330 alcohol-selling shops operate at night, with police focusing on a few hotspots. Similar bans exist in Gdańsk, Szczecin, and Słupsk.
Legislative Efforts in Parliament
Left-wing and Polska 2050 lawmakers submitted bills to restrict alcohol access, including bans on promotions and sales at gas stations. Polska 2050 also proposed testing MPs with breathalyzers. The Left demands a nationwide 10 PM–6 AM sales ban in shops, while Polska 2050 seeks to include non-alcoholic beer in advertising restrictions.
