In the coming weeks, Bydgoszcz will introduce a ban on alcohol sales between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except for catering establishments. The City Council made this decision today, although it is still unclear when exactly the regulation will take effect – it can be assumed that it will almost certainly happen in November.

The main goal of introducing this regulation is the local government’s intention to combat the problem of alcoholism. During the discussion, statistics were cited showing that average alcohol consumption in Poland is increasing. The police also supported this measure, noting that alcohol is often a factor in dangerous incidents requiring police intervention. Nearly all neighborhood councils, except one, supported restricting alcohol sales at night. Some councils even proposed starting the ban at 10:00 p.m.

Council members were almost unanimous in supporting the regulation – the only opposition came from Councilor Paweł Sieg from the Confederation party, who argued it restricts economic freedom. Councilor Joanna Czerska-Thomas proposed an amendment to start the ban at 10:00 p.m., but it did not gain significant support during the discussion.

When will the ban start?

The resolution introducing the nighttime prohibition will take effect on February 1.