Prague approves city-wide ban on nighttime pub crawls

Prague authorities have banned organized pub crawls run by agencies, citing noise disturbances, pollution, and security concerns, effective immediately after publication in the city's legal regulations (which is due to be very soon, though there is no indication of precisely when). The city councilors approved the draft regulation today, primarily driven by Prague 1's struggles with noisy, drunk tourists disrupting the peace at night.

The ban was achieved by amending the city's market order, which governs business activities, to prohibit "errand service provision" – moves around pubs – except for classic guide services between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Deputy Prague Mayor Zdenek Hřib stated that the adjustment was discussed with Prague 1, Prague City Tourism, and representatives of classic guides, who will be able to continue their activities.

According to the draft regulation, pub crawls have severe consequences for the city's administration, including disturbance of night peace, increased noise, and pollution of public spaces. 

"All this means an excessive deployment of municipal services, such as municipal cleaning services and the city police, and therefore a burden on the budget and personnel capacities of the given municipality," the rationale for the proposal reads.

The capital’s Deputy Mayor Jiří Pospíšil added that the guides had no objections to the ban. The municipality is also concerned about the damage to Prague's reputation and impression due to groups of drunk people regularly moving through the city.

"[An] unreasonable consumption of alcohol and disruptive behavior associated with pub crawls can create the impression of a lack of sophistication in the community, reduce the feeling of safety, and [causes people to] avoid certain locations," the document states.

Prague 1 has long struggled with "alcohol tourism" and overtourism. According to the Czech Statistical Office, 7.4 million tourists stayed in hotels and guesthouses last year, a quarter more than the previous year. The ban aims to mitigate these issues and restore order to the city's streets.