Prague bans nighttime pub crawls to reduce noise and disorder

PRAGUE, Czech Republic: Prague is set to ban organized night time pub crawls starting in November in a bid to reduce noise, disorder, and the negative impacts of over-tourism.

The Czech capital has struggled for years with rowdy tourist groups moving from bar to bar in the historic district, disturbing residents and leaving litter in the streets.

The pub crawls, which attracted over seven million visitors last year, have been a source of income for local bars but a headache for authorities. The new rule will be enforced by city police between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., with violators facing fines of up to 100,000 koruna ($4,300).

Adam Zabransky, a city council member who proposed the ban, said it is aimed at curbing "cheap alco-tourism" and improving the quality of life for residents. "We don't want to stop people from enjoying a drink, but we want to reduce the negative consequences these pub crawls have on the city," he explained. He also called on bar owners to take responsibility for the behavior of their patrons, pointing out that residents are the ones bearing the brunt of the disruptions.

Prague's decision follows failed attempts to address the issue, including the appointment of a "night mayor" in 2019 tasked with managing nightlife impacts. The ban is part of a broader effort to promote cultural tourism and attract longer-term visitors who appreciate Prague's heritage beyond its bar scene.

Not everyone agrees with the move. A pub crawl agency called the decision "populist" and warned it could make the situation worse, arguing that their guides help maintain order. They claimed that without organized tours, tourists would cause more problems.

Despite the ban, Prague remains a top destination for beer tourism, with local authorities keen to promote a deeper cultural experience alongside the country's rich brewing traditions.

"Czechia has exceptional potential in beer tourism, thanks to its long history of brewing, unique breweries, and the current trend of experiential and sustainable tourism," said Frantisek Reismller, the head of the country's tourist authority.