This article focuses on the forecasted social costs of excessive alcohol consumption in Poland, which are estimated to range from 0.9% to 2.5% of GDP, potentially exceeding 100 billion zł by 2026. It highlights that these economic figures are compounded by tough-to-quantify social costs, including domestic violence and road accidents related to alcohol use. Experts, such as Dr. Bogusława Bukowska, emphasize the complexity of accurately estimating these costs due to various contributing factors.

The piece also examines the actions taken by the largest Polish cities to curb alcohol consumption, which include restrictions on nighttime sales. These measures have been met with mixed responses; while some cities are implementing stricter regulations, others struggle to enforce them effectively. The changing landscape of alcohol-selling establishments is also noted, with a curious trend regarding the rise and fall of such outlets in major urban areas.

Additionally, the effects of introducing nighttime alcohol bans are explored. These regulations are intended to address the nightlife-related issues stemming from alcohol consumption. However, without clear data on their impact, cities find themselves in a challenging position when evaluating the effectiveness of these policies. The article aims to shed light on these multifaceted issues surrounding alcohol consumption and regulation in Poland, encouraging a deeper understanding of the costs involved.