Warsaw's City Council has decided that alcohol will no longer be sold in the Polish capital's shops, kiosks and petrol stations between 10pm and 6am.
“I am not a supporter of restrictions, but after years of debate I have been persuaded that this could have a positive impact on this city,” said Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski.
City authorities stress that the decision was preceded by a pilot scheme in Śródmieście and Praga-Północ. According to data from the Municipal Guard and the police, the number of night-time interventions in these districts has clearly fallen.
The restriction is also intended to curb so-called "alcohol tourism", a phenomenon where people roam around the city in search of 24-hour alcohol outlets.
The ban will not apply to restaurants and bars, nor to the duty-free zone at Warsaw Chopin Airport.
