Warsaw. Alcohol trade ban at night, there will be a draft resolution

Almost 9,000 people took part in the public consultations that lasted from 6 May to 30 June, including 8,384 virtually.

People living in Warsaw were asked about: their opinion on the proposal to limit the sale of alcohol at night in shops and at petrol stations; the hours (between 10pm and 6am) during which the restriction should apply; the area of ​​Warsaw where the restriction should apply (the entire city or selected districts).

Questions were asked via an online survey on the consultation platform, during six meetings in various districts, and in consultation tents during large events such as Wreaths on the Vistula or the Saska Kępa Festival. The city office also received several positions from housing estate councils, housing communities and non-governmental organizations.

The results clearly showed that the majority of Warsaw residents support the introduction of a night-time alcohol sales restriction. The people who took part in the survey responded as follows:

80.78% – I am in favor
18.24% – I am against it
0.98% – hard to say

Among those supporting the restriction, 96.9% want it to apply throughout Warsaw.

“The number of participants in the consultations shows the commitment of Warsaw residents and how important the topic of night-time alcohol sales is to society. The most frequently discussed topics during the discussions were a sense of security, promoting a responsible approach to alcohol and reducing the amount of alcohol consumed, especially among young people. The issues of disturbing the peace at night, the need for intervention by law enforcement and the pollution and devastation of public space are also significant,” informs the city hall. It adds that entrepreneurs also took part in the meetings and expressed their concerns about the potential consequences of such a restriction.

The Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, promised the residents consultations, although he initially spoke out as a staunch opponent of the night-time alcohol curfew (supporters of the solution do not want it to be called prohibition). The president referred to the dens from the times of the Polish People's Republicsaid that the problem would move a bit beyond the borders of Warsaw. But he was convinced, because the topic came up at almost every district meeting. It was raised primarily by people living near 24-hour alcohol stores, which make their lives hell. Varsovians referred to the positive experiences of dozens of other Polish cities that have introduced restrictions and are happy about them.

That is why Trzaskowski commissioned the preparation of a draft resolution restricting the sale of alcohol at night in shops and petrol stations throughout the city between 11pm and 6am. As announced by the city hall, this draft will be presented to the Warsaw Council. It will make the final decision on this matter.

– We are talking about a ban on selling alcohol at night, which applies to shops and petrol stations. However, in bars, restaurants and clubs alcohol will of course still be available – the spokeswoman for the city hall Monika Beuth warned in an interview with tvnwarszawa.pl. – The draft resolution will go to councillors, who will decide whether such a restriction will be adopted. If so, it will still be a matter of consultations with districts and local governments – she adds.

The ban would apply from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., and not from 10 p.m. as originally planned. Why? – Most local shops are open until 11 p.m. Therefore, this is an idea based on pure pragmatics and the expectations of traders and entrepreneurs, not to complicate the last opening hour of shops, where alcohol sales would have to be turned off or part of the goods would have to be covered – replies Beuth.