Prague clamps down: Pub crawls banned to curb nightlife chaos
The authorities of Prague have banned so-called pub crawls, which are nighttime tours where tourists move from pub to pub. According to council members, these walks, organized by specialized tourist agencies, resulted in disturbances of nighttime peace caused by noisy and drunk tourists.
3:31 PM EDT, October 15, 2024
The regulation will take effect upon publication. The authorities of Prague District 1, home to the historical city center, requested this ban.
The need for changes was justified by the impact these walks, which follow routes lined with inns, pubs, and clubs, have on city life and management. Concerns were raised about disturbances to nighttime peace, noise, trash, and the necessity to ensure safety.
City authorities stressed Prague's deteriorating reputation caused by the constant presence of drunk tourists. This situation could negatively affect how the Czech capital is perceived by other visitors, potential investors, and residents themselves.
Prague District 1 has long grappled with issues related to so-called alcohol tourism, where young foreigners visit the Czech metropolis primarily to consume alcohol.
A separate problem is over-tourism, which refers to excessive tourist traffic in one city or region. According to official statistics, 7.4 million tourists stayed in Prague hotels and guesthouses in 2023, marking a 25% increase over the previous year.
