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Curious about the legal drinking age in Poland?
I’ve got you covered!
Having travelled to Poland numerous times and indulged in their lovely beers and iconic vodkas, I’ve grown quite fond of the place. Polish beer is just awesome – but, to be honest, I’m sure that its super-cheap price does make it taste even better 😉.
The good news is, the legal drinking age in Poland is 18, so it’s a popular place for partying!
Before you sip on that Żubrówka or enjoy a cold Tyskie, here’s a rundown on how old you need to be to drink in Poland, or go to nightclubs, and the different technicalities around this rule!
Table of Contents
How Old Do You Have to Be to Drink in Poland?
The drinking age in Poland is 18.
But don’t make the mistake of assuming it’s like many places in Europe where the age might vary for different kinds of drinks or establishments. In Poland, the rule is straightforward.
Whether you’re in Kraków, Warsaw, or a bit more off the beaten path in Bydgoszcz, the drinking age is 18.
Interestingly, while you can waltz into pubs and bars if you’re younger than 18, you can’t order that pint or shot unless you’ve celebrated your 18th birthday!
The rule is firm: you can be there, but you can’t drink alcohol there. A lemonade or water is fine, though.
What Are Alcohol Laws in Poland?
Considering that Poland is well-known as a country plenty of Europeans head to party, it can be surprising to learn that the Polish alcohol laws are actually pretty strict! Here’s the lowdown:
No Drinking in Public, Except…
First and foremost, taking that bottle of Żywiec or a can of beer to the park? Not a good idea. In Poland, it’s a strict no-no to consume alcohol in public spaces. The only exceptions are licensed areas like bars, restaurants, Christmas markets, and those delightful open-air café gardens where you can sip your drink while watching the world go by.
Age Matters
Thinking of buying a young friend a drink? Think again! It’s forbidden to sell or even offer alcohol to anyone under the age of 18. The Poles are pretty firm about this rule.
Locals and Their Liberties
You might spot locals casually enjoying a brew in a park or other public places. While this might seem tempting to emulate, be warned: it’s illegal. Just because others are doing it doesn’t mean you should, especially if you don’t want a run-in with the law.
Drive Sober or Don’t Drive At All
Considering driving after a few shots? Drop that idea immediately. Poland practises zero tolerance when it comes to drink driving. With a blood alcohol limit of a minuscule 0.02%, it’s best to leave the car keys at home if you plan on indulging.
Public Intoxication is a Big No
Getting tipsy at a pub? Absolutely fine. Staggering around in public? Not so much. In Poland, being drunk in public isn’t just frowned upon—it’s illegal.
I was very surprised to learn this because, especially in places like Krakow, where people go to party, this rule doesn’t seem to be enforced (in my experience). It’s worth being aware of, though, so that you can stay safe!
Where Can I Buy Alcohol in Poland?
For those of you eager to enjoy Poland’s alcoholic offerings (and who isn’t?), you’ll be happy to hear that it’s easy, and cheap, to find alcohol in this country.
Grocery Stores
The most affordable place in Poland to buy alcohol is the grocery store. Not only is it cheaper than buying from bars, but you also get a wide variety. The best part? You don’t need to hunt down a specialised liquor store.
In Poland, regular grocery stores like Biedronka, Carrefour, and Lidl have a comprehensive range of alcohol on their shelves, and beers in particular are very cheap!
When I bought a 500ml can of beer from the supermarket in Poland, the price usually hovered around €0.70 per can.
It’s worth noting that Poland has its own currency, but I’m just listing prices in this post in Euros so that they’re easier for everybody to understand.
Bars and Pubs
While they may be a tad more expensive than grocery stores, bars and pubs are the best places to soak in the local ambience and enjoy Poland’s fun drinking culture. If you’re visiting Poland in the colder months, there’s no better place to get cosy and merry!
Try out the classics or ask the bartender for their recommendation, and you might just discover a new favourite.
I paid around €2.85 per pint for beer in pubs and bars during my time in Poznan and my two days in Wroclaw, with beers in Krakow costing me slightly more. I also found vodka shots for as little as €1.30 in Poznan.
Even if you’re drinking at bars and pubs, it’s never expensive by Western standards. I was visiting Poland from London and alcohol prices were consistently around 35-40% of what they are in London!
Restaurants
Restaurants all over Poland will serve alcohol with their food. A personal recommendation? The traditional Polish restaurants which offer exquisite pairings of dishes like pierogi or bigos with local beverages.
At Konspira restaurant in Wroclaw I not only got to sample some of the best pierogi and soup of my entire life, but I also got to drink massive 1 litre glasses of beer. It was so much fun!
Remember to keep your ID handy if you look under 18 – better safe than sorry!
FAQs About the Legal Drinking Age in Poland
Is Krakow strict with ID?
Yes, Kraków, like most of Poland, is fairly strict with ID checks for alcohol purchases. They won’t always ID you – and in my experience usually won’t if you look over 18, but it’s advisable to carry and present a valid ID when buying or ordering alcohol in Poland because checks do happen.
Is Poland strict with alcohol?
Yes, Poland is strict with alcohol regulations. The legal drinking age is firmly set at 18. Public drinking, outside of designated areas like bars and restaurants, is prohibited. Additionally, there’s a zero-tolerance policy for drink driving, with a very low blood alcohol limit. It’s always a wise idea to adhere to local laws when consuming alcohol in Poland.
How old do you have to be to drink beer in Poland?
In Poland, you must be 18 years old to legally purchase and consume beer, as well as other alcoholic beverages. This age limit is consistently enforced across bars, restaurants, and stores, so always be prepared to show valid ID if asked.
Can you drink at 16 in Poland?
No, in Poland, you can’t drink alcohol at 16. Unlike some countries like Germany where people can consume certain alcoholic beverages, in certain situations, from age 16, Poland has a firm age limit of 18 for the purchase and consumption of alcohol, be it beer, wine, or spirits.
Can I drink 1 beer and drive in Poland?
In Poland, there’s a very low blood alcohol limit of 0.02%. While this might allow for a small amount of alcohol, even one beer can put you over this limit. It’s safest to avoid drinking altogether if you plan to drive in Poland, given the country’s near-zero tolerance policy on drink driving.
Wrapping Up: Drinking Age in Poland
And there you have it, all you need to know about drinking in Poland!
Grasping Poland’s alcohol rules is vital, especially for those planning a visit. Being informed ensures you comply with the nation’s laws, particularly if journeying with younger folks.
Unlike some neighbouring countries with varying age restrictions, Poland keeps it simple: 18 across the board.
Whether you’re planning to sample Poland’s famous vodkas, explore the bustling nightlife of cities like Kraków or Warsaw, or simply enjoy a quiet evening with a local brew, this guide is designed to help you navigate your Polish drinking experience with confidence and ease.
Na zdrowie!
