Alcohol sales ban after 10 p.m.: regulations, effects and controversies
- Damian Brzeski
- 21h
- 14 min read
More and more Polish cities are deciding to introduce restrictions on night-time alcohol sales, known as "nighttime prohibition." This tool has, since 2018, given local governments a real weapon in the fight to maintain public order and peace for their residents.
But is banning alcohol sales after 10 PM a truly effective solution, or is it a blow to local businesses and a restriction of freedom? We examine how these regulations work in practice and what emotions they evoke.
What is the ban on selling alcohol after 10 p.m.
What is the restriction on night-time alcohol sales , commonly referred to as "nighttime prohibition"? In short, it's a time limit imposed by local authorities on the sale of takeaway alcoholic beverages .
This is not an attempt to cure alcoholism, but rather to manage its “side effects” that affect the entire community – noise, vandalism, and a sense of insecurity at night.
What is the purpose of night prohibition?
Why do cities actually use this tool? The main reason is simple and is repeated in the justifications for almost every resolution: improving public safety and order , and therefore, a real increase in the level of safety for residents .
By introducing these night-time restrictions , local governments want to address specific problems that intensify after dark and are caused by alcohol purchased in shops or gas stations.
Key goals include:
Less noise, more peace: The regulation is intended to curb loud outdoor parties, brawls and acts of vandalism that often break out near 24-hour alcohol outlets .
Improving the quality of life of residents: Reducing night-time incidents is a way for authorities to improve the quality of life, especially in densely populated parts of cities.
Preventive action: While banning alcohol sales isn't a cure-all for alcoholism, it does have a preventative dimension. Limiting alcohol availability at night can help reduce harmful drinking and aligns with the spirit of the Sobriety Education Act .
A key distinction here is that the goal isn't to completely prevent alcohol consumption. That's why the regulations don't apply to restaurants .
The idea is to limit consumption in uncontrolled conditions – on the streets, in parks or gates – because this is where the law is most often broken.
Prohibition hours and exceptions
The law sets a standard time frame for restricting night-time alcohol sales : between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM . Indeed, most municipalities that have adopted this solution adhere to this timeframe.
However, the law is flexible and allows local governments to make certain modifications within the statutory maximum.
As a result, alcohol sales hours may vary from city to city, in an attempt to adapt the regulations to the local rhythm of life:
Krakow: the ban is in force from 00:00 to 5:30.
Szczecin: There is a night ban from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Zakopane: sales are prohibited between 11pm and 6am.
One fundamental principle remains unchanged: The ban applies exclusively to retail sales of alcohol intended for off-premises consumption. This means that bars, pubs, and restaurants can freely serve alcohol to their guests on-site.
Legal basis and process for introducing the ban
The introduction of a nighttime ban isn't just a whim of a government official. It's a formalized process based on specific regulations and often requires listening to the voices of residents.
The Act on Upbringing in Sobriety as the Foundation for Regulation
The legal backbone for municipalities here is the Act of 26 October 1982 on upbringing in sobriety and counteracting alcoholism .
The breakthrough came with the 2018 amendment, which gave municipal councils the explicit power to introduce restrictions on the night-time sale of takeaway alcohol .
Importantly, the act allows for great flexibility – a ban can be introduced across the entire commune or only in a selected part of it, for example in one particularly problematic district.
The role of the municipal council resolution in the local implementation of the ban
The formal act introducing the ban is a resolution adopted by the municipal or city council. The initiative may come from the mayor, a group of councilors, or even the residents themselves.
However, the entire procedure must be meticulously crafted. Any formal irregularity may result in the voivode invalidating the anti-alcohol resolution .
A good example of this is Poznań, where the first attempt to introduce a ban in the Jeżyce district failed due to a lack of the required approval from the district council. Only after completing this formality was the legislation successfully passed.
Public consultations and support from residents
Do residents even want such restrictions? It turns out they do, very much so. Public consultations, while not always legally required, have become a key element of this process. They lend legitimacy to the changes and demonstrate real demand.
In Warsaw, extensive consultations showed that between 60% and even 80% of respondents were in favour of the ban.
In Wrocław, the decision to extend prohibition to the entire city was preceded by a survey in which 60% of residents were in favour.
Katowice, in turn, is a model example of direct democracy – restrictions were introduced only in those districts where residents voted in favour of them (e.g. in Bogucice), and were abandoned where they expressed opposition (in Giszowiec).
It's clear, then, that nighttime prohibition isn't a top-down solution. It's a tool implemented by local governments in response to the voices and needs of local communities.
Ban on the sale of alcohol in Warsaw
After a long public debate, Warsaw finally joined the ranks of cities with nighttime prohibition, but opted for an evolutionary, not revolutionary, approach.
Pilot zones: Śródmieście and Praga Północ
The Warsaw Council has decided that the ban on selling alcohol between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. will come into effect from the beginning of November 2025, for now in two districts: Śródmieście and Praga-Północ .
The choice was not accidental – it is precisely in these areas that the concentration of establishments and shops generates the most police interventions. This pilot program is intended to be a testing ground before a decision is made to extend the ban to the entire city.
Decisions of the Warsaw Council and the role of Rafał Trzaskowski
The road to this compromise was bumpy. Initially, Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski had a different proposal for a sales ban – he wanted to introduce restrictions immediately across the entire capital.
However, the idea met with resistance from some councillors from his own club, who demanded "hard data".
As a result, the original project was withdrawn and replaced with a pilot program, which was ultimately supported by the president, who emphasized that it was a step in line with the will of the majority of residents.
Plans to extend the ban to the entire city
City officials make no secret of the fact that the pilot is only the first phase. As announced, the goal is to introduce a ban throughout Warsaw.
The final draft of the night-time ban is already being prepared, and the planned date for extending the regulations is June 1, 2026. However, everything will depend on the analysis of the effects of the pilot program.
Ban on the sale of alcohol in Gdańsk
Gdańsk has opted for a comprehensive solution. As of September 1, 2025, a ban on selling alcohol after 10:00 PM will apply throughout the city.
This decision was a natural consequence of the earlier, more limited restrictions, which were positively assessed. Interestingly, the airport area was excluded from the regulations.
Ban on the sale of alcohol in Krakow
Krakow is now a prime example of the effectiveness of these restrictions. The citywide nighttime ban began on July 1, 2023 , with slightly different hours: from midnight to 5:30 a.m.
Just one year later, the city published impressive data: the number of emergency services calls at night had dropped dramatically. These statistics, although disputed by some organizations, are the main argument for proponents of this solution.
Ban on the sale of alcohol in Poznań
Poznań has chosen a "step-by-step" strategy. Instead of a single, citywide resolution, the alcohol ban is being implemented piecemeal, neighborhood by neighborhood, during the standard hours of 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM .
Currently, restrictions apply to the following housing estates:
Old Town (since 2018)
Wilda and Lazarus (from 2023)
Jeżyce (from April 4, 2025)
Gardens (from July 11, 2025)
The case of Jeżyce, where the procedure had to be repeated, shows how important it is to formally prepare a resolution restricting the sale of alcohol in order to avoid its invalidation.
Alcohol sales ban in Wrocław
After several years of testing, Wrocław decided to implement a full nighttime ban . The positive experience with the partial ban was crucial.
From October 9, 2025, a night ban is in force between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. throughout the city, which was supported by data on a 7% decrease in police intervention and a 15% decrease in municipal guard intervention in the test zones.
Ban on the sale of alcohol in Katowice
Katowice is a model for a bottom-up approach. Restrictions on night-time sales (from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM) apply only where residents requested it in public consultations.
The process of expanding the prohibition zone took place in stages:
Downtown (since 2018)
Załęże and Szopienice-Burowiec (from 2021)
Bogucice and Dąbrówka Mała (from 2022)
In the 2021 consultation, Giszowiec residents voted "no," and the city respected this decision by not introducing restrictions. This demonstrates that the system can be truly flexible.
Ban on the sale of alcohol in Bydgoszcz
Bydgoszcz is another large city that has, without hesitation, introduced a ban on the sale of alcohol after 10 p.m. throughout its entire territory.
The restrictions apply during standard hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and authorities, as in other cities, report positive effects in the form of a decrease in the number of emergency services interventions.
Alcohol sales ban in Szczecin
Szczecin introduced a citywide ban on August 8, 2025 , at slightly different hours: from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
However, the city has become notorious for its entrepreneurial creativity. Some shop owners have attempted to circumvent the law by exploiting loopholes.
They changed the classification of their business to catering and organized symbolic "tasting areas" in their stores so that they could continue to legally sell alcohol at night .
Ban on selling alcohol in Zakopane
In Zakopane, where tourist behavior can be a problem, a nighttime ban has been in effect since October 5, 2022, from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM. The decision was a direct response to numerous complaints from residents about the inconvenience caused by 24-hour alcohol sales .
The ban in other cities and the nationwide perspective
The trend is undeniable. The introduction of nighttime prohibition has already covered much of the country, and ideas are already on the horizon to turn local experiments into a nationwide rule.
Other cities with alcohol sales bans and opening hours
As you can see, the map of nighttime prohibition in Poland is already densely populated. The table below is a quick summary that shows how diverse, yet similar, the adopted solutions are.
City | Scope of Application | Prohibition Hours | Key Information |
Biała Podlaska | The whole city | 22:00 – 06:00 | One of the cities that introduced a ban throughout its territory. |
Bielsko-Biała | Selected estates | 22:00 – 06:00 | The ban applies to the Górne Przedmieście, Mieszka I and Biała Wschód estates. |
Bydgoszcz | The whole city | 22:00 – 06:00 | One of the first major cities with a nationwide ban. |
Gdansk | The whole city | 22:00 – 06:00 | Introduced on September 1, 2025 after the extension of the partial ban. |
Giżycko | The whole city (seasonal) | 22:00 – 06:00 | The restriction applies during the tourist season from June 25 to September 30. |
Katowice | Selected districts | 22:00 – 06:00 | Introduced based on the results of public consultations in districts. |
Konin | The whole city | 22:00 – 06:00 | The ban was introduced on February 1, 2025, after consultations in which it was supported by nearly 70% of residents. |
Cracow | The whole city | 00:00 – 05:30 | Introduced 1/07/2023; documented significant decrease in interventions. |
Łódź | Selected estates | 22:00 – 06:00 | Introduced on 17/10/2025 in seven central housing estates. |
Mikołów | The whole city | 22:00 – 06:00 | One of the cities in Silesia with a city-wide ban. |
Mysłowice | The whole city | 22:00 – 06:00 | One of the cities in Silesia with a city-wide ban. |
Olsztyn | The whole city | 22:00 – 06:00 | Introduced in 2018; city reports significant declines in fights and interventions. |
Piekary Śląskie | The whole city | 22:00 – 06:00 | One of the cities in Silesia with a city-wide ban. |
Poznań | Selected estates | 22:00 – 06:00 | Introduced in stages (Old Town, Wilda, Łazarz, Jeżyce, Ogrody). |
Pulawy | The whole city | 23:00 – 06:00 | The city reports a significant reduction in the number of police interventions. |
Slupsk | The whole city | 22:00 – 06:00 | Introduced July 2025. |
Sosnowiec | The whole city | 22:00 – 06:00 | One of the cities in Silesia with a city-wide ban. |
Szczecin | The whole city | 23:00 – 06:00 | Introduced on August 8, 2025; attempts to circumvent the regulations have been noted. |
Świętochłowice | The whole city | 22:00 – 06:00 | One of the cities in Silesia with a city-wide ban. |
Wroclaw | The whole city | 22:00 – 06:00 | Introduced on 9/10/2025 after positive results of the partial ban. |
Zakopane | The whole city | 23:00 – 06:00 | Introduced on October 5, 2022 in response to problems in the tourist city. |
The nationwide project and the position of the Ministry of Health
The success of local regulations has brought the issue to the forefront of government debate. Many people are convinced that a nationwide ban on alcohol sales will improve safety nationwide.
There are currently two main projects circulating in public debate:
The Left's project: Proposes a nationwide ban on the sale of alcohol from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., a ban on alcohol advertising and the elimination of price promotions.
The Ministry of Health's proposal: This proposal for a sales ban goes even further. It includes, among other things, a complete ban on alcohol sales at gas stations, tightening regulations on online sales, and very severe financial penalties for breaking the law.
Places covered and excluded from the ban
To understand how this mechanism works, you need to know who exactly it applies to.
Shops and gas stations are the main prohibited areas
The alcohol ban impacts all alcohol-selling establishments that offer takeaway services. The list is long and includes:
supermarkets and hypermarkets,
local shops,
specialized alcohol (liquor) stores,
gas stations .
Restaurants as an exception to the regulations
As has been emphasized many times, the fundamental exception is catering establishments . Pubs, bars, restaurants, and clubs where alcohol is consumed on-site can operate as usual.
The idea is to precisely control the sale of alcohol intended for consumption in public spaces.
What are the social consequences and impact on public safety?
Okay, but does all this actually work? Data from cities that have implemented prohibition provides strong evidence that it does.
The impact of the ban on law enforcement interventions
The most tangible effect of the nighttime prohibition is the dramatic drop in police and municipal guard interventions. Statistics from across Poland paint a consistent and very optimistic picture.
City | Analysis Period | Change in Police Interventions | Change in Municipal Police Interventions | Data Source |
Konin | February-June (y/y) | Home interventions down 69% | - | 54 |
Cracow | one year after introduction | Nighttime interventions down by 48.5% | Nighttime interventions down 31.2% | 29 |
Wroclaw | one year after introduction (Old Town) | 7% drop | 15% drop | 20 |
Bydgoszcz | one year after introduction | 33% decrease in interventions (Cultural Park) | 27% drop in registrations (restricted areas) | 40 |
Olsztyn | one year after introduction | Interventions down by about 20% ; fights down by 70-80% | Decrease in interventions by approximately 15% | 40 |
Katowice | 2017 vs. 2022 | A 29% drop in the number of people taken to sobering-up stations | 72% decrease in interventions (2043 -> 570 in 2021) | 40 |
Reducing the number of alcohol-related road accidents
Does less alcohol availability at night mean fewer drunk drivers? International analyses leave no doubt.
As noted by experts from the Motor Transport Institute, limiting the availability of alcohol reduces the number of road accidents involving drunk drivers by an average of 17%.
Reducing the health and social consequences of alcohol consumption
The debate over restrictions is a classic clash of arguments. On the one hand, opponents, such as the Warsaw Enterprise Institute, cite losses for small shopkeepers and reduced municipal revenues. They argue that this is a shortcut that masks the authorities' incompetence in enforcing existing laws.
On the other hand, we have hard data. The enormous socioeconomic costs of alcohol abuse in Poland are estimated at PLN 93 billion annually .
This amount exceeds budget revenues from excise tax many times over. In light of statistics showing real improvements in safety, the economic arguments lose their force.
And most importantly, it seems that Poles simply want it. Polls show that a staggering 68% of us support nighttime prohibition and believe such bans are necessary.
And it is this powerful social mandate, combined with measurable results, that is the main driving force behind this quiet revolution.
Ban on selling alcohol after 10 p.m. – frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Many questions and doubts have arisen around the topic of nighttime alcohol restrictions. To facilitate understanding of key principles, we've gathered answers to the most frequently asked questions about the so-called "nighttime prohibition" in Poland.
What exactly is "nighttime prohibition"? It is a locally implemented ban by a municipal or city council on the retail sale of alcoholic beverages intended for off-site consumption (i.e., "takeaway") during certain nighttime hours.
What hours are the bans most often in effect? The standard time frame under the law is from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Most cities adopt this timeframe.
Does the ban apply across Poland? No. It's a tool that local governments can, but don't have to, use. The decision to implement a ban is made individually by each municipality.
Does the ban apply to bars, pubs, and restaurants? No. This is a key exception – the ban does not apply to catering establishments. Alcohol can be purchased and consumed on-site as usual, even at night.
Are gas stations affected by the ban? Yes. The ban applies to all retail outlets, including supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor stores, and gas stations.
What is the main goal of these restrictions? The primary goal is to improve public safety and order, reducing the number of noisy incidents, acts of vandalism, and nighttime police and municipal guard interventions.
Does the ban also apply to beer? Yes. The ban covers all alcoholic beverages without exception, including beer, wine, and spirits.
On what legal basis are municipalities implementing the ban? The basis is the Act on Upbringing in Sobriety and Counteracting Alcoholism , amended in 2018, which gave municipal councils such authority.
Which major cities have already introduced a ban? Cities with a ban (covering all or part of their territory) include Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdansk, Katowice, Poznan, Szczecin, Bydgoszcz, and recently also Warsaw (as a pilot).
Are the hours of the ban the same everywhere? No, municipalities have some flexibility. For example, in Krakow, the ban applies from midnight to 5:30 a.m., and in Szczecin from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Can a municipality impose a ban in just one district? Yes. The law allows for restrictions to be introduced throughout the municipality or only in a designated area (e.g., the city center, a specific district, or a housing estate).
What are the documented effects of the ban? Data from cities that have implemented the ban indicate a significant decrease in the number of nighttime interventions by law enforcement (in Krakow, by approximately 30-48%), a decrease in the number of people admitted to sobering-up stations, and a general improvement in order.
Do Poles support this solution? Yes. According to nationwide polls, approximately 68% of Poles support introducing a nighttime alcohol sales ban in their towns.
What are the main arguments put forward by opponents of the ban? Opponents mainly point to financial losses for small, local shops, restrictions on economic freedom, and claim that the problem is not being solved, but merely relocated to another place or time.
Is a nationwide ban on late-night alcohol sales planned? Yes, such proposals have emerged in public debate. Proposals have been submitted by the Left and the Ministry of Health, among others, but they have not yet become law.
What is the penalty for a retailer breaking the ban? A store or gas station that violates the nighttime alcohol sales ban faces the harshest possible penalty: the revocation of its alcohol license.
Can I buy alcohol online and have it delivered overnight? This is a complicated legal matter. Current regulations are vague, but proposals to tighten the law aim to curb this practice, for example by requiring in-person pickup at a brick-and-mortar location.
As a tourist, am I also subject to this ban? Yes. The ban is territorial, meaning it applies to everyone staying within a given municipality, regardless of their place of residence.
Why doesn't the Katowice ban apply citywide? Katowice adopted a grassroots model – restrictions were introduced only in districts whose residents expressed their consent during public consultations.
Can a ban once introduced be lifted? Yes. Because it is local law, the municipal council that introduced the ban can amend it in the future or lift it entirely by adopting a subsequent resolution on the matter.
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