Poland approves nationwide ban on nighttime alcohol sales
On October 8, the Polish Sejm approved legislative changes providing for a ban on retail alcohol sales at night across the entire country. The new rules also restrict advertising of alcoholic beverages and promotional campaigns that encourage their purchase.
This was reported by Business Insider Polska. The relevant amendments were prepared by MPs from the Left and the Poland 2050 party.
Under the draft, alcohol cannot be sold in retail outlets from 22:00 to 06:00. The restriction should apply nationwide, not only in individual cities where similar rules have already been introduced by local authorities.
What restrictions are envisaged
In addition to the nighttime ban, the legislative changes provide for stricter rules on the sale and promotion of alcoholic beverages.
In particular, it is proposed to ban promotional campaigns where buyers are offered additional alcoholic drinks free or at a discount for purchasing a certain quantity of products.
The restrictions apply to advertising of alcoholic beverages, including beer. Separate provisions concern the promotion of non-alcoholic products that use the names and labels of alcohol brands.
Changes are also provided for the alcohol sales licensing system and additional requirements for verifying the age of buyers.
At the same time, the nationwide nighttime ban does not mean a complete cessation of sales of alcoholic beverages in all establishments. The legislation provides for exceptions for certain categories of facilities, including catering establishments and airports.
Local authorities may introduce stricter rules
The legislative initiative preserves the powers of local governments to restrict nighttime alcohol sales.
In particular, municipalities are proposed to be given the ability to set a longer period of restrictions — from 21:00 to 09:00.
Thus, individual cities and communities will be able to apply stricter rules than those provided for by national legislation.
Such restrictions are already in force in a number of Polish cities.
For example, from June 1, 2026, nighttime alcohol sales are prohibited throughout Warsaw. Previously, the capital's authorities had tested restrictions in individual districts of the city.
Poland debates consequences of the ban for business
Proponents of the changes argue that restrictions are necessary to reduce the availability of alcohol, decrease the number of offenses, and lessen the burden on medical and emergency services.
During parliamentary discussions, supporters of the bill referred to the experience of Krakow, where after the introduction of the nighttime ban, the number of calls to municipal services and recorded violations decreased.
However, some business representatives and MPs express concerns about the consequences of the new rules for retail trade, alcoholic beverage producers, and small family businesses.
In particular, the Polish People's Party (PSL) advocated additional guarantees for wine producers, fearing that the large-scale ban on advertising and product promotion would negatively affect small vineyards.
Discussion of these provisions may continue during further consideration of the legislative changes.
When will the new rules come into force
Approval of the amendments by the Sejm does not mean immediate entry into force of the new restrictions.
For final adoption of the law, the parliamentary procedure must be completed, including consideration in the Senate, after which the document must be sent to the President of Poland.
The exact date for the start of the nationwide nighttime ban will depend on the final version of the law and the completion of all required procedures.
Until then, existing regulations for the sale of alcoholic beverages, including local restrictions in cities and communities, continue to apply in Poland.
Based on materials from: Business Insider Polska, Sejm of Poland — bill No. 2007, TVP Info.
