Prague, a city known for its cheap beer and lively nightlife, is making changes to control rowdy behavior by British tourists. Starting in November, the Czech Republic capital will enforce a new rule to address disturbances in areas popular with tourists. Organized pub crawls will be banned from 10pm to 6am to address issues related to noise, safety, and cleanliness. The Prague City Council hopes to reduce the disruptive movement of tourists from one bar to another, particularly in the city center.
This move is not unique to Prague. Other destinations are also taking measures to discourage excessive drinking by tourists. For example, Amsterdam launched a campaign last year to discourage British visitors from coming for binge drinking and drug use. In Spain, resorts in Majorca and Ibiza have put a limit of six drinks per day at all-inclusive hotels to prevent tourists from drinking excessively, which has strained relationships with local residents.
Travel expert Gemma Brown from Travel Republic warns that those who do not comply with Prague’s new rule could face fines, restrictions from nightlife spots, or even police involvement. She emphasizes that cities across Europe are addressing issues of over-tourism and disruptive behavior caused by alcohol, aiming to create a more pleasant environment for both visitors and locals.
Brown also highlights that the trend of implementing new rules to manage tourist behavior is not exclusive to Prague. Amsterdam and certain Spanish resorts have also taken steps to regulate alcohol consumption among tourists. She advises travelers to be aware of these changes when planning their holidays, as it could impact their experiences.
Despite the ban on organized pub crawls, visitors to Prague will still have plenty of options for entertainment. Independent pub visits, guided brewery tours, and beer-tasting sessions will still be available. This means that tourists can still enjoy the vibrant nightlife and beer culture that Prague is known for, while respecting the new regulations in place.
Overall, the new rule in Prague is part of a larger trend in European cities to address disruptive behavior by tourists, particularly related to alcohol consumption. By implementing these measures, destinations aim to strike a balance between catering to visitors and maintaining the quality of life for local residents. As travelers plan their trips, it is important to stay informed about any new regulations or restrictions that may affect their experiences in popular tourist destinations like Prague.
