Bye, Bye Piwo

Poland’s Parliament has supported a Senate amendment banning the sale of low-alcohol drinks at mass events.

Only the Social Democratic Left was against the amendment, arguing that it was a European standard to sell drinks such as beer at mass events, including sports meets or soccer games.
Deputy Interior Minister Adam Rapacki said that the government initially had not been against the sale of beer, also allowing organizers this option in sponsoring.

In February Parliament decided to allow the sale of low-alcoholic drinks, including beer, at mass events, with the exception of high-risk gatherings. In March, the Senate introduced an amendment banning this. Feelings in both houses ran high and the issue also raised protests from Polish clergy.


The law is among others to provide safety for the football world cup in 2012. Now the amended law needs to be signed into force by the President.