Krakow has experienced a significant reduction in the number of drunken incidents since the implementation of the night-time alcohol sales ban. The new legislation, which came into effect on July 1st, 2023, restricts the sale of alcohol within the city from midnight to 5:30 am. Six months after the ban was introduced, public services in Krakow have reported positive changes, reflected in the statistics.

Police data reveals a significant decrease in interventions from July to December 2023, with a reduction of 47.25% compared to the same period in 2022. On an all-day basis, there was a 28.68% drop in interventions. The municipal police also noted a decrease in calls during the ban hours by 28.84% and a reduction in offences by 39.86%. Over the 24-hour period, there was a decrease of 4.54% in offences.

The Municipal Centre for Addiction Prevention in Krakow also reported a 9.30% decline in the number of stays in addiction centres, which is a promising sign in the fight against alcoholism.

Apart from the police and alcohol prevention institutions, residents of Krakow also expressed satisfaction with the new regulations. They noted calmer evenings and fewer aggressive situations on the city's streets. Many emphasised that the ban on late-night alcohol sales helped to reduce noise and unwanted incidents, resulting in an overall improved quality of life.

Jan Spiewak, an urban activist, appreciates the successful results of the new legislation and suggests that Warsaw should follow Krakow's example. In his post on X, Spiewak emphasises that the ban on nighttime alcohol sales in the capital of Malopolska has led to significant improvements in residents' safety and a reduction in the number of people ending up in sobering stations.

The nighttime alcohol ban in Krakow is an excellent example of effective measures aimed at controlling public drinking. By gaining the support of both residents and experts, it can serve as a model for other cities in Poland seeking to improve citizens' safety and quality of life.

However, introducing the nighttime prohibition has not been without controversy. Some citizens, as well as shop and petrol station owners, have expressed concerns about its potential negative economic effects. They argue that limiting alcohol sales could lead to losing customers and lower turnover, which could adversely impact the local economy. Therefore, the debate on the effectiveness and purpose of this type of regulation is still ongoing.