Polish parliament passes nationwide alcohol advertising ban, sparking craft brewery backlash
The Sejm approved a law imposing a country-wide night-time alcohol prohibition, banning all alcohol advertising and raising sales fees, prompting protests from small breweries.
On Thursday the Sejm adopted a law that establishes a nationwide night-time prohibition on alcohol sales, eliminates all advertising and promotional activities for alcoholic beverages, and increases the levy on alcohol sales. The vote tally was 400 in favour, 29 opposed and four abstentions. Breaches carry penalties ranging from 30 000 zł to 1 mln zł or possible restrictions on freedom.
Small-scale brewers have voiced strong opposition, fearing the measure will shrink market diversity and benefit major multinational firms. Bednary Brewery’s owners said they support efforts to reduce alcohol abuse and protect minors but demand targeted solutions rather than sweeping legislation. Warsaw-based Palatum Brewery argued that the law mistakenly treats non-alcoholic beer as an intermediate product, noting that the rise of non-alcoholic varieties has already lowered overall alcohol consumption and helped breweries stay viable. The debate highlights tension between public-health objectives and the interests of Poland’s craft brewing sector.
Why it matters
The law could reshape Poland's beer market, affecting small producers and consumer choices.
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