Drinking age and alcohol sales in Poland (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: In Poland alcoholic drinks may not be sold or served to anyone under 18, to people who appear intoxicated, or on credit. Drinking in public places is banned except where drinks are sold for consumption on the spot. Sale needs a municipal licence and is banned in places such as schools, workplaces and public transport.

RuleWhat applies
Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol18 years [1]
Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol18 years [1]
Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol⚠ Not yet verified
Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcoholDrinking alcohol in a public place is banned, except in places meant for drinking on the spot at points of sale. A municipal council may allow an exception for a specified public place. [1]
Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcoholAlcohol may not be sold or served to people who appear intoxicated, or on credit or against a pledge. Sale and consumption are banned in places including schools, workplaces, mass gatherings and public transport, with exceptions for some trains, international airports and aircraft, ships and ports. Selling alcohol needs a licence from the municipality. [1]

Notes

  • The ban covers all alcoholic drinks, so beer and wine are covered as well as spirits. A seller who doubts a buyer is an adult may ask for a document showing age (Art. 15(2)).
  • The act bans selling and serving alcohol to anyone under 18 without mentioning parental supervision. No separate rule on drinking by minors was read, so this is not stated.
  • A municipal council may also ban selling, serving, drinking and bringing in alcohol in other places in its area (Art. 14(6)).
  • Drinks over 18% alcohol are also banned in training centres and, for sale and serving, in holiday homes. Outdoor events and sports venues need a permit for drinks over 4.5%. The consolidated text read is dated 4 September 2023; the later amending act Dz.U. 2026 poz. 875 (in force from 1 January 2027 according to the Sejm database) only adds Art. 18(3aa) on the time limit for the municipal commission opinion and does not change Articles 14 or 15.

Sources

  1. Marszałek Sejmu Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej: Obwieszczenie Marszałka Sejmu Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 4 września 2023 r. w sprawie ogłoszenia jednolitego tekstu ustawy o wychowaniu w trzeźwości i przeciwdziałaniu alkoholizmowi (Dz.U. 2023 poz. 2151) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.