01.06.2026 12:10
A new ban on nighttime alcohol sales has taken effect in Warsaw, the capital of Poland. Under the new rules, alcohol cannot be sold in stores and gas stations between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Previously applied only in some districts, the restriction has now been extended citywide. Officials stated that the decision has increased safety, reduced nighttime noise, and positively contributed to public order. Restaurants, bars, and duty-free shops at the airport are exempt from the ban.
A regulation banning the sale of alcohol at night in shops and gas stations has entered into force in Warsaw, the capital of Poland. The ban, previously implemented in some districts, will now apply citywide. Officials stated that the decision aims to enhance safety and maintain public order.
ALCOHOL WILL NOT BE SOLD AFTER 10:00 PM
Under the new regulation, alcohol sales in shops and gas stations in Warsaw will be prohibited between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM local time. The restriction, previously applied only in the districts of Srodmiescie and Praga Polnoc, has been extended to the entire capital with this decision.
THE MAJORITY OF THE PUBLIC SUPPORTED IT
The Warsaw City Hall announced that approximately 9,000 people participated in public consultations on the regulation. More than 80 percent of participants supported restricting nighttime alcohol sales. In a statement by the municipality, it was noted that the most frequently cited reasons by citizens were safety, preserving nighttime quiet, and reducing incidents that disrupt public order.
PILOT APPLICATION YIELDED POSITIVE RESULTS
Officials stated that in areas where the ban was previously implemented, a decrease was observed in nighttime incidents and cases requiring intervention by security forces. Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski defended the practice, saying, "The steps we have taken before have shown that we are doing the right thing."
RESTAURANTS AND BARS EXEMPTED
The new regulation does not cover restaurants and bars. Additionally, duty-free shops at Warsaw Chopin Airport are exempt from the ban. While similar practices have become widespread across Poland in recent years, approximately 180 municipalities have imposed various restrictions on nighttime alcohol sales since 2018.