Due to the alcohol sales ban in Gdańsk from 10 PM, the format of «alcohol tourism» is paradoxically gaining popularity in the city. This refers to tourist trips in electric meyleks with unlimited beer and parties on cruises along the Motława River. These activities are actively promoted on tourist platforms and are primarily aimed at foreign groups, including bachelor party formats.
Formally, there are restrictions on alcohol sales; however, according to residents of the city center, this has little impact on tourist formats. They complain that the historic center is increasingly turning into a space for nightlife with noise, drunken groups, and a change in the usual urban atmosphere.
This is particularly noticeable in the center of Gdańsk, where, as locals note, the entertainment function of the city is gradually dominating over its cultural role. Residents speak of an increase in the number of drunken tourist groups and link this to the development of event tourism.
One resident describes the situation as follows:
“Beer stacks on board the meyleks, music like at a festival, shouting and drinking while driving. Total impunity on weekends.”
The complaints are not only about noise. Local residents and entrepreneurs point to the chaotic operation of meyleks, which obstruct traffic and block streets:
“Meyleks constantly occupy delivery spots that we have no access to,” complain entrepreneurs from the Old Town area.
The city authorities acknowledge the existence of the problem. Following public consultations on the Cultural Park of the Main City, over 90% of participants expressed support for regulating the operation of meyleks. Among the key complaints are chaotic movement, parking, and the entertainment nature of the transport.
The city hall announces an increase in police and municipal guard patrols and is also considering reducing the number of permits for such transport. However, a direct ban on «alcohol tours» is not currently planned — the focus is on control and responding to public order violations.
