Poland is considering significant changes to alcohol sales regulations, including bans on gas station sales and promotional offers.
Changes Proposed for Alcohol Sales
Despite social pressure and public opinion expressed in surveys, statutory regulations restricting alcohol availability have not changed. Among other things, a ban on beer advertising and promotions, as well as the sale of alcohol at night, is being discussed.
Recently, a ban on the sale of alcohol in the Sejm was introduced. It was established in November of last year by Marshal of the Sejm Włodzimierz Czarzasty.
Alcohol Packaging Concerns
Alcohol pouches are just the beginning. In October 2024, the media reported that alcohol in packets resembling fruit puree packaging for children had reached store shelves. Based on a regulation, the Minister of Agriculture banned the introduction of such products into circulation.
The sale of spirits in pouch-type packaging (so-called alcohol pouches) was permitted until February 28 of last year. Additionally, spirits with a capacity of up to 200 ml may only be sold in bottle or can packaging.
Local Government Actions
So-called night prohibition was introduced by resolutions of successive local governments. In Mazowsze alone, 30 cities and municipalities implemented a ban on the sale of alcohol in stores and at gas stations. 2025 was a record year in this regard – according to data from the marshal’s office.
Legislative Process
However, the key legislation for restricting alcohol availability, the Act on Sobriety Education and Alcoholism Prevention, has not been changed. Work on the amendment has been underway for months at the Ministry of Health. The ministry submitted the first draft for consultation in March of last year, and in October its changed version.
Parliamentary projects restricting alcohol availability were submitted to the Sejm in September of last year by Lewica and Polska 2050. The first reading of parliamentary projects was scheduled for Friday during a plenary session of the Sejm.
Proposed Ban on Promotions
End of “12 beers free”. A revolution in store promotions is being considered. Proposals include expanding the definition of alcoholic beverage promotions to include sales with discounts, rebates, and bonuses, which would block store promotions like “12 beers plus 12 free”.
There is a proposal for a complete ban on advertising and promoting all alcoholic beverages as well as an absolute ban on public advertising and promotion of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including non-alcoholic beer.
Health Concerns
Doctors sound the alarm: Drunken patients are paralyzing the work of emergency departments. In September of last year, the Presidium of the Supreme Medical Council appealed for the introduction of a nationwide ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages at night.
According to the NRL, a ban on the sale of alcohol at night, between 22:00 and 6:00, could significantly relieve hospital emergency departments and other units of the medical rescue system, as well as improve the safety of medical personnel’s work.
Over 47% of respondents declared that they had witnessed situations where someone who had drunk beer got behind the wheel. In total, 93.8% of respondents saw a link between alcohol and an increased risk of accidents.
Public Opinion on Alcohol Advertising
Are Poles tired of advertising? Research results are clear. In January, Akcja Uczniowska presented a nationwide survey by Brainlab agency, according to which 54% of Poles believe that advertisements omit the negative effects of drinking. 51% of survey participants believed that there is too much beer advertising on television.
In November 2025, IBRIS published research results showing that 54.4% of respondents supported a ban on advertising alcoholic products. Nearly half of the respondents (45.7%) agreed that legal beer advertising gives the impression that it is a safe, health-neutral product.
Government Position
Minister of Health Jolanta Sobierańska-Grenda shortly after taking office spoke in favor of restricting alcohol availability. When asked about her support for the proposal to introduce night prohibition and a ban on the sale of alcohol at gas stations, she replied: “I am in favor”.
She emphasized at that time that the Ministry of Health has its own project to restrict alcohol availability, and that it is analyzing new projects, including the parliamentary projects submitted to the Sejm.
