A recent survey in Poland found that 68% of respondents support introducing a late-night alcohol ban from 11 PM to 6 AM in their localities.
The survey, conducted by IRBiS for the Polish Press Agency, revealed that 40.2% of respondents strongly supported the ban, while 27.8% were somewhat in favor. On the other hand, 28.3% of respondents opposed the ban, with 14.3% being somewhat against it and 14% strongly against. A small percentage, 3.7%, had no opinion on the matter.
The survey also showed a significant gender gap, with 80.1% of women supporting the ban, compared to 57.8% of men. By age group, the highest level of support was found among those over 70, with 81.1% in favor. Even among 18- to 29-year-olds, support was high at 73.2%. The survey was conducted using computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) with a sample of 1,069 adult Poles.
Kamil Smogorzewski, director of communications at IBRiS, noted that the high level of support among young Poles indicates a pragmatic approach to the issue, prioritizing safety and tranquility over liberal freedoms. This trend is also evident among women, who tend to prioritize safety.
The survey results come amid ongoing debates about late-night alcohol bans in Polish cities. Last week, the Warsaw City Council rejected a proposal to introduce a ban on alcohol sales between 10 PM and 6 AM. However, a pilot program is set to be launched in two districts, Śródmieście and Praga-Północ, and there are indications that the mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, may revisit the proposal for a citywide ban in the near future.
