Night-time prohibition introduced in Szczecin

In Szczecin, night prohibition has been introduced. Shops will not be able to sell alcohol from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. The adoption of the resolution was preceded by a lively discussion.

It was started by Magdalena Tarka, a representative of entrepreneurs running 24-hour stores who oppose prohibition.

- The restrictions will result in job cuts. People will be laid off, and immediately. Night-time prohibition means that customers will buy alcohol in advance. Szczecin knows how to use alcohol responsibly - convinced Magdalena Tarka - Police interventions are not in the area of ​​our shops, only on the promenade and boulevards. We have trained employees. We have monitoring.

Magdalena Tarka also drew attention to the economic aspect. In her view, small alcohol stores compete with discount stores, with large-scale stores. They are in a weaker position. And night prohibition will worsen their situation.

- In Krakow, where night prohibition was introduced, the number of police interventions fell by 47 percent. The number of City Guard interventions fell by 31 percent. In Olsztyn, where restrictions are also in place, the number of interventions fell by 20 percent. The number of interventions in connection with disturbing the night peace fell by 46 percent - calculated Ewa Jasińska from the Civic Coalition club. - Szczecin residents deserve peace between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

She added that night prohibition is not a tool to combat alcoholism. But, as the data shows, it can be an effective tool to improve the safety of Szczecin residents.

- Over 170 local governments have introduced restrictions on the sale of alcohol. Only 9 have withdrawn from these resolutions - said Przemysław Słowik (KO). - And this shows that these resolutions work

- In Krakow, no night shop has closed. In Wrocław, there was one - added Mateusz Gieryga (KO).

- We are not doing this against anyone - assured the chairman of the OK Polska club Marek Kolbowicz. - We promised this to the residents.

Krzysztof Romianowski, leader of the Law and Justice club, admitted that at first he was also a supporter of introducing partial prohibition. But he changed his mind after many conversations with residents. He stated that the services should deal with people who break the law, because that's what they are for.

- There are also tools that allow you to take away a license when someone sells alcohol to a drunk person. They can of course be improved - argued Krzysztof Romianowski. - Prohibition will introduce big problems for micro-entrepreneurs. We are also talking about human dramas when someone loses their job.

He also stated that the night-time prohibition is a restriction of the "liberty and freedom" of the residents - as if the residents of Szczecin were irresponsible people who are unable to make their own decisions.

That is why he filed a formal motion to withdraw the resolution and discuss it again. Also with entrepreneurs. The motion did not pass. Łukasz Tyszler, the chairman of the KO club, stated that the discussion on this topic has been going on in Poland for a long time, and in Szczecin as well.

- It seems that everything has already been said - assessed Łukasz Tyszler. - Entrepreneurs have also spoken out. The councilors know the arguments.

Night prohibition is to be in effect from the summer.©℗

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