Warsaw to Impose City-Wide Nighttime Alcohol Ban

Details of the Ban
Mayor Trzaskowski explained that the precise starting hour of the ban has not yet been determined, but the existing idea is to restrict alcohol sales throughout all of Warsaw to address related disturbances, in totality.

A resolution will be sent to the Council to consider in spring 2026, and discussions included possibly implementing a trial in two districts: the city centre and Praga-Północ, in the northeast part of the capital.

"The vast majority of people who live in Warsaw want restrictions on alcohol sales at night across the city—and they are what we will do if no change is made. Step by step. Forward. In the right direction," Trzaskowski said when announcing the plan.

Growing Trend Across Poland
The announcement follows a growing trend across Poland. Between 2018 and 2024, about 180 municipalities put restrictions on late-night alcohol sales either in full or in measures.

Most notable in this trend of alcohol restriction are the cities of Słupsk, Szczecin, and Gdańsk, which have all implemented restrictions either temporarily during a tourist season or all-in full recently. Authorities state these restrictions mitigate issues of public safety, disorder, and health concerns of intoxication.

Public Support for Restrictions
Public opinion polls indicate a good, solid backing in favor of the move for limits imposed in Warsaw. An IBRiS poll reported that 68% of people responding to the poll favor limiting the sale of alcohol at night. Support is particularly high among younger adults (73%), while more than 80% of women responding to the poll also favor limitations on the side of the community.

The numbers suggest that this proposal will likely receive a formally sanctioned backing after the proposal is put in place, which contrasts with the view of the city government, as they want to move forward with an entire implementation in 2026.