On Thursday, October 8, the Sejm passed a bill providing for a nighttime ban on alcohol sales throughout Poland. Under the adopted solutions, the restriction would apply from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. However, exceptions are envisaged, including for catering establishments and airports.
Jesteś za nocną prohibicją w Bolesławcu?
A total of 400 MPs voted in favor of the bill, 29 voted against it and 4 abstained.
If the regulations enter into force in their adopted form, they will change the rules governing the availability of alcohol at night. For shops, this would mean the need to adjust sales to the new regulations.
Bolesławiec has already discussed a ban on alcohol sales after 10 p.m.
We covered the issue of nighttime alcohol sales in January 2025, among other occasions. City councillor Urszula Magryś then asked residents whether introducing a ban on alcohol sales in shops after 10 p.m. was justified.
In a poll on our portal, 593 participants supported the solution, representing 57.18 percent of voters. A total of 427 people were against it, or 41.18 percent. Another 17 people, or 1.64 percent, had no opinion.
The Sejm’s passage of the bill gives the matter a new dimension. However, at this stage it is not possible to determine when the regulations will enter into force or all the details of their application in Bolesławiec.
Ban on alcohol advertising, including beer
The bill also provides for a complete ban on advertising and promoting alcoholic beverages, including beer. Violating the ban would carry a fine of between PLN 30,000 and PLN 1 million or a restriction-of-liberty sentence.
Sellers’ obligations are also to change. If there are doubts about a buyer’s age, an employee will be required to check it. Currently, the regulations allow employees to do so but do not impose such an obligation in the situation described.
Alcoholic beverage packaging is also to carry warnings about the harmful effects of alcohol consumption on pregnant women and people under 18, as well as about driving after consuming alcohol or while intoxicated.
Higher fees for alcohol sales permits
The adopted solutions also provide for higher fees for alcohol sales permits. For beverages with an alcohol content of up to 18 percent, the fee is to increase from PLN 525 to PLN 1,050. For alcohol with a content above 18 percent, an increase from PLN 2,100 to PLN 4,200 is envisaged.
The bill also regulates packaging. Packaging for alcoholic beverages with a nominal capacity not exceeding 300 ml is to be made exclusively of glass or metal.
Read more about the matter on money.pl.
What happens next with the anti-alcohol bill?
After being passed by the Sejm, the bill will go to the Senate. The president, Karol Nawrocki, will then decide whether to sign or veto it.
What do you think? Join the discussion and vote in the poll.