Following a ban on alcohol sales within the Polish Parliament building in November, revenue at parliamentary restaurants has demonstrably decreased.
Alcohol Sales Ban Implemented
In November of last year, Włodzimierz Czarzasty issued an order prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages in and on the grounds of the Sejm (Polish Parliament). This was one of his first actions after becoming Marshal of the Sejm.
Revenue Drop Across Parliamentary Eateries
The Sejm Chancellery confirmed to RMF FM that the data pertains to all food and beverage outlets located within the parliamentary complex, including those in the Hotel Poselski (the parliamentary hotel) and the K building. A clear difference in revenue is visible.
Net revenue for parliamentary restaurants was 531,732 złoty in October 2025, before the ban.
Monthly Revenue Figures Show Decline
Revenue decreased each subsequent month. Restaurants earned 475,797 złoty in November, 458,626 złoty in December, and 399,658 złoty in January. Revenue slightly increased to 450,085 złoty in February.
Initial Debate Surrounding the Ban
The debate over banning alcohol sales in the Sejm intensified after media reports of a party involving PiS politicians. According to “Rzeczpospolita,” lawmakers celebrated the new president’s inauguration with loud singing and controversial chants, leading to intervention by the Marshal’s Guard.
Politician Reactions to Proposed Restrictions
Robert Telus argued that such a ban would be “excessive,” suggesting people would simply drink elsewhere. Marcin Józefaciuk stated that the hotel was separate from the Sejm and saw no issue. Dariusz Wieczorek predicted people would bring alcohol in bags or drink in their rooms.
Concerns About Impact on Parliamentary Relations
Sławomir Mentzen expressed opposition to the ban, arguing that shared gatherings over beer fostered relationships across party lines. He feared the Sejm would become “less human” without these opportunities for informal interaction and exchange of views.
Public Opinion Favored the Ban
An October 2025 poll conducted by Opinia24 for TVN and TVN24 found that 81% of respondents supported a complete ban on alcohol sales in the Sejm buildings, while 14% opposed it. The survey involved 1001 Polish residents aged 18 and over.