Zara Góralczyk

Writer, Editorial Strategy

The proposals, planned to come into effect in January 2027, also take aim at packaging, remove longstanding exemptions for beer, and introduce them for Poland’s growing wine industry

Poland has moved towards a fuller ban on the advertising, promotion, and nighttime sales of takeaway alcoholic beverages, following a vote at the Sejm on October 8th 2026.

The lower house of Poland’s parliament voted 400-29 with 4 abstentions to amend the Act on Upbringing in Sobriety and Counteracting Alcoholism (Ustawy o wychowaniu w trzeźwości i przeciwdziałaniu alkoholizmowi). The 1982 act already prohibited the advertising and promotion of alcoholic beverages, defined as products that exceed 0.5% ABV, but made limited exceptions for beer.

The End of Beer’s Exempt Status

The amendments, proposed to come into effect on January 1st 2027, remove the exemptions for beer, with a transition period running until the end of 2027. They also restrict the sale of alcohol-free versions under the same branding as their alcoholic counterparts, limiting the possibility of circumventing the ban through surrogate advertising.

Support for Polish Wine Industry

Instead, Poland’s growing wine industry has been made exempt, with permission to sell wine online and share informational and cultural communications with adults about products, events, and tastings. However, these must not include sale or purchase incentives, and must feature information on the harmful effects of consumption. Tasting venues must also put up visible warnings.

Stricter Rules for Packaging

The revised bill mandates the inclusion of health and safety warnings on the packaging of alcoholic products, particularly with regards to consumption while pregnant or underage, as well as driving under the influence. Beverages of up to 300ml must be sold only in glass or metal containers, following the 2024 controversy where alcohol was sold in colourful plastic pouches resembling baby food.

Prohibited Sales

When selling alcohol, the amendments broaden the definition of banned promotions to include purchase incentives and public encouragement, such as Poland’s infamous 12+12 offers – buy 12 get 12 free. Sales intended for off-premises consumption are also prohibited between 10pm and 6am, and municipal councils are granted the power to extend these hours between 9pm and 9am. Additional measures include mandatory age checks, hiked license fees, and more.

Sponsorships Go Unaffected

The law around sponsorships remains unchanged: manufacturers and distributors will still be able to share their names and trademarks on items connected to the sponsored entity, within strict limits.

If the amendments are approved, those who unlawfully advertise or promote alcoholic beverages would face increased fines of 30,000-1,000,000 PLN, rising from 10,000-500,000 PLN.

To be enacted, the bill must first be reviewed by the Senate, the upper house of Poland’s parliament, and signed into law by the president.

Original article