Warsaw introduces night-time alcohol ban in two districts
The Warsaw City Council has agreed to implement a night-time prohibition in two of the capital city's 18 districts, marking the first step towards a citywide restriction.
The topic had become a point of political dispute in Warsaw after an earlier failed attempt to implement the measure across the entire capital. As a compromise, the council, during Thursday's sitting, agreed to launch the ban on a trial basis in the Srodmiescie (city centre) and Praga-Polnoc districts.
Under the new rules, which are expected to take effect on November 1, alcohol sales will be prohibited in grocery stores and petrol stations between 10pm and 6am.
In late September, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski announced that the city planned to extend the night-time sales ban across all districts starting next June, following the trial period.
Warsaw is not the first Polish city to debate such restrictions. Similar night-time alcohol bans have already been introduced in several of the country's largest urban centres. Wroclaw, in southwestern Poland, has enforced a similar measure since October 9, while Lodz, in central Poland, is set to implement a partial district ban starting Friday, October 17. (PAP)
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