The Warsaw Metropolis Council has determined that alcohol is not going to be bought in retailers, kiosks and gasoline stations within the Polish capital from 10pm to 6am.
Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski mentioned: “I’m not a supporter of restrictions, however after a few years of dialogue I’m satisfied that this could have a optimistic influence on our metropolis.”
Metropolis authorities emphasize that this choice was preceded by plans for trials in Schildmiescie and Praga Pounots. In keeping with metropolis guard and police knowledge, the variety of evening interventions in these areas has clearly decreased.
The restrictions are additionally aimed toward curbing so-called “alcohol tourism,” a phenomenon wherein folks roam the streets searching for 24-hour alcohol retailers.
The ban doesn’t apply to eating places, bars or the duty-free zone at Warsaw Chopin Airport.
Warsaw residents are largely in favor of the curfew. Almost 9,000 folks attended a public listening to held in 2024, with 81% supporting the introduction of the ban. Of those, 97% assume it ought to apply to your complete capital, not just a few districts.
What’s going to change on the streets of Warsaw?
In our avenue polls, residents expressed a spread of opinions concerning the new guidelines. Most individuals consider that limiting alcohol gross sales could have a optimistic impact on security and high quality of life in cities.
“This may calm you down rather a lot,” an older girl informed me.
Some Varsovians level out that comparable measures had been applied years in the past and, of their view, labored properly. A ban on the sale of alcohol earlier than 1pm was launched in autumn 1982 in the course of the communist period to forestall ingesting at work and in queues. In democratic Poland, this regulation was lastly abolished in November 1990.
“We used to promote alcohol from 1pm to 10pm, and everybody was blissful. I believe it is an excellent thought,” mentioned an aged Warsaw resident.
Residents additionally level to the expertise of different international locations the place restrictions on alcohol gross sales have been in place for a few years.
“I believe it is safer. My husband and I usually go to Sweden and issues are going properly there, so I believe now is an effective time to cease promoting,” the younger girl informed us.
However not everybody helps the brand new rules, with some residents opposing any type of restrictions.
Younger residents are essentially the most vital of the citywide ban, particularly citing the potential for making it tougher to spend summer time evenings in public and the potential for increased alcohol costs in bars and eating places.
“With such a prohibition, I must be sober. I do not like that concept,” say the younger males, who clearly odor of alcohol. “Regardless of when, usually prohibited. Completely no to bans.”
Issues concerning the potential growth of the illicit alcohol commerce had been additionally raised in the course of the dialog.
“At any time when there’s prohibition, there’s all the time some type of black market,” one pensioner informed me. “There’s all the time an outdated girl promoting bottles exterior her window. It has been like that for a very long time. However I am all for the ban as a result of it is going to positively curb issues and it’ll positively scale back incidents and fights.”
He additionally requested whether or not alcohol ought to be banned on Vistula Boulevard. The permission to devour alcoholic drinks on the Vistula River embankment is an exception to the regulation that has been in pressure since March 9, 2018, legally prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic drinks in all public locations. Most residents are towards the introduction of such a ban.
“I actually have spent loads of time there with buddies, and though it will not be the case now, I believe younger folks want an area the place they will sit and calm down,” says one girl.
Nevertheless, some residents consider the issue lies not with alcohol itself, however with folks’s habits and lack of moderation.
“Simply because I do not drink doesn’t suggest different folks should not both. All I am saying is that all the things ought to be achieved sparsely and in a wise means. Throw your bottle within the bin or take it to a recycling level if it’s a must to. Do not break your bottle so you may’t sit or stand in the course of the excessive avenue.”
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that the variety of interventions has decreased in areas coated by the pilot scheme. It additionally reminds the general public that retailers who violate this ban could face critical penalties underneath the Alcoholism Management and Abstinence Promotion Act, together with attainable lack of their alcohol gross sales license.
The brand new guidelines will come into pressure in early June, however it is going to be clear within the coming months whether or not restrictions on alcohol gross sales at evening will really enhance peace and safety within the capital.
