Night prohibition in Warsaw. Councilors for piloting in two districts from 22.00

Warsaw councilors at the Thursday Extraordinary Session voted for two projects regarding the opinions of the Śródmieście and Praga-Północ district regarding the pilot of the night prohibition in them. The idea was that the prohibition would apply from 22.00, not from 23.00 and shortening the time of entry into force of the resolutions.

The extraordinary session was convened at the request of the President of Warsaw Rafał Trzaskowski. There were projects regarding the opinions of two districts-Śródmieście and Praga-Północ-about the introduction of a night ban on selling alcohol in stores and at gas stations. The ban would apply from November in the presidential project from 23.00 to 6.00. Councilors KOs introduced the amendment so that it would apply from 22.00.

– In many cities, this is exactly how restrictions were introduced, namely the city center, where there are the most shops – said the president of Warsaw present at the session Rafał Trzaskowski.

He emphasized that a few years ago he was not in favor of such solutions. – We assumed that Poles do not like bans, and the mere limitation of alcohol sales would not solve all problems. However, in recent years the discussion through Warsaw has swept, consultations have been held, and the District Councils were asked. The giant majority of Varsovians have made their opinion on this topic and it is positive – he added.

He emphasized that for now the night prohibition will be introduced in two districts, and at the latest until June 1 in the whole city.

– That is why we are introducing the first stage in those districts that are most affected by the problem, to introduce this limitation in the most effective way – said Trzaskowski, adding that the introduction of the ban will not solve the safety problem.

He noted that, along with the night ban, the Warsaw Safe Night program will also be introduced, including Maping of bothersome places, introduction of the program responsible seller, additional educational campaigns, increasing the number of police patrols and city guard.

The vice-chairman of the KO councilors' club Anna Auksel-Sekutowicz asked the president to present information on the next session on the actions taken on the improvement of the safety of Warsaw residents. She also reported technical corrections.

– We report one more amendment. The ban is to apply from 22.00 to 6.00, and not as it was written in the project – from 23.00 – she said.

She noted that the town hall did not present any analyzes justifying the introduction of night sales of alcohol from 23.00, which is why councilors propose the introduction of the maximum permissible restriction.

She appealed to the councilors of the Śródmieście and Praga-Północ districts, so that they would quickly give an opinion on these resolutions, so that on October 16 at the next session the councilors could take care of them.

Warsaw President Rafał Trzaskowski commented that he really likes this enthusiasm. “There will be a self -amendment,” he emphasized.

PiS councilors want referendum on the night prohibition among Warsaw residents

In turn, PiS councilors appealed to a referendum on the night prohibition among Warsaw residents. The left and the city is ours, they want the pilot introduction of the night prohibition in two districts to be reviewed by all districts of the capital.

The chairman of the PiS councilors club Dariusz Figura emphasized that social consultations cannot be the basis for making such decisions, because they are not representative. That is why PiS councilors propose a referendum on this matter.

The left and the city is our Marta Szczepańska Club and the city pointed out that councilors are worried that the night piloting of the ban on the sale of alcohol in two districts is not reviewed by all the city districts. “There may be voices from other districts that they also want to introduce a pilot,” she added.

The Extraordinary Extraordinary Session was convened at the request of the President of Warsaw Rafał Trzaskowski regarding the introduction of corrections to projects addressed to two districts-Śródmieście and Praga-Północ-regarding the expression of the opinion of these districts regarding the pilot introduction of night prohibition.

The amendments apply to, among others shortening the time of entry into force of the piloting of the night prohibition in two districts, as well as proposed at the Thursday session by the councilors of the prohibition time of the prohibition at 22.00.

The President of Warsaw declares that the pilot will come into force in two districts from November 1. In March, the president will submit his draft resolution on the introduction of night prohibition throughout Warsaw. (PAP)

Mas/ JOZ/ MHR/