What Tourists Need to Know About Poland’s Legal Drinking Age

During my three months in Poland, I may or may not have consumed enough alcohol to kill a bull elephant. The only comparable time in my life was when I spent 3 months in Japan and tossed back nama beerus (draft beers) with the best of them…nightly. 

To be fair, it was somewhat of Poland’s doing, as it was home to some of the best beer and hard liquors I’ve ever had the pleasure of tossing back. So, a Poland bacchanalian was inevitable. The boozing prophecy had been written well before my brother uttered the words ‘Poland trip’ to me just 5 months prior.  

The variety of beer, liquors, wines, and other spirits across Poland is a force to be reckoned with. From the countless innovative (and quirky) craft beer bars that lined the streets of most old towns, to regional smoked beers and ever-so-drinkable lagers, clean and crisp vodkas, and even plum brandies, if you can dream it, you can drink it in Poland. 

Poland has garnered particular acclaim and attention (justly so) from tourists over the past decade, becoming a Central European hotspot for living the dolce vita. Frankly, after my 3 month “hot boy summer” in Poland, I still consider it one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world. It’s an absolute gem. 

And what better way to experience this vibrant, resilient country (and culture) than by tossing back some local booze over a plate of pierogi, schabowy (schnitzel), steak tartare, or other delicious Polish staples? 

To ensure that you don’t miss out on Poland’s highly revered and full-bodied drinking culture, as a tourist it’s important to cross your drinking t’s while dotting your i’s by familiarizing yourself with the legal drinking age in Poland and other laws and/or potential faux pas you should be mindful of. 

So, whether you’re a university student making the pilgrimage for a debaucherous weekend, a couple on their honeymoon looking to elegantly sip fine European wines at a rooftop bar, or someone in between (like me), here is everything you need to know about Poland’s drinking age and important alcohol laws everyone should know. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: Get your free Poland travel itineraries delivered right to your inbox when you subscribe to my newsletter!

What’s the Legal Drinking Age in Poland?

Nothing hits quite like an ice-cold Żywiec after a summer run along the Vistula River (or Warta River).

While several other European countries may take a more lax approach to their legal drinking ages, allowing persons 16 years or older to purchase and consume alcohol, Poland maintains strict regulations regarding alcohol consumption and their legal drinking age. 

The legal drinking age in Poland is 18. 

This applies to all types of alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits – making it a uniform rule across the board and consistent with the majority of countries in the European Union (E.U.). 

Much like in the U.S., the minimum age of 18 is also the same for voting and purchasing tobacco.

Pale Ale Travel Note: An interesting note is that in the not-so-distant past, Poland banned the sale of energy drinks to anyone under the age of 18 as well.  

Under Poland’s governing law, the ‘The Act On Upringing in Sobriety And Counteracting Alcoholism’, alcohol cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18 or anyone who is drunk. A seller and/or proprietor may check your ID if they suspect you may be underage and are generally quick to do so if you appear young (ex. Are under the age of 25). 

This law further codifies that alcohol cannot be sold, served, or consumed at specific places, such as schools, work, public transit, or military sites, and that persons under the age of 18 cannot work in positions that involve serving or selling alcohol. Alcohol may also not be transported by a person under the age of 18 without adult supervision. 

A great general rule of thumb as a tourist is that if you are under 18, don’t expect to be able to purchase alcohol or consume it in public. Drinking in public is also prohibited in Poland and highly frowned upon. 

During my 3 months between Warsaw, Kraków, and Poznań (with a brief stop in Gdańsk), it was rare to see anyone consuming alcohol in public. Or, if they did, it was done so discreetly. 

Looking back on this, I guess I should probably turn myself in as post-runs (not diarrhea) along the Vistula River in Warsaw, I would snag two tallboys from a Żabka and drink them outside while waiting for my kebab. Please comment ‘Shame’ below so I receive the justice I deserve. 

Persons Under 18 Can Still Enter Bars, Clubs, & Other Establishments Selling Alcohol

While Poland takes a strict approach towards the legal drinking age, persons under the age of 18 are generally allowed to enter establishments (ex. Bars, clubs, pubs, etc…) that sell alcohol and consume nonalcoholic beverages on the premises. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Poland is one of the most underrated destinations for beer that I’ve ever traveled to and/or lived in – Warsaw especially. Here are X of my favorite craft beer bars in Warsaw to get your sour, IPA, and Saison fix.

What is the Penalty For Drinking Alcohol Underage in Poland?

Individuals under 18 who are caught consuming and/or purchasing alcohol may be subject to a fine and will also have their alcoholic beverages confiscated. The incident may also be recorded in police records.

Fines may range from several hundred PLN to several thousand PLN, generally clocking in between USD 100 to USD 250. 

Further, students may find their universities and/or places of study being contacted and informed of this, resulting in administrative action. 

The reason for the strict approach towards alcohol sales and consumption in Poland is that those caught selling alcohol to underage persons may face up to a month in jail, revocation of their alcohol sale licenses, or substantial fines (up to several thousand PLN). 

Repeat offenses may also result in criminal charges. 

Is Poland Strict on Alcohol?

Alcohol restrictions, such as the legal drinking age of 18 in Poland, are strictly enforced – especially in urban areas and popular tourist destinations. 

Even if you’re accompanied by parents or guardians, persons under the age of 18 are not legally permitted to consume alcohol. This is something that often surprises tourists from countries with more lenient parental alcohol supervision laws. 

ID checks are relatively common practice in bars, clubs, restaurants, and stores in Poland. Poland’s drinking law does not explicitly require cashiers, proprietors, or other sellers to ID anyone but does state that ‘In case of any doubts as regards a given buyer’s majority, the seller or the person serving alcoholic beverages shall be entitled to demand that such buyer produce a document evidencing such buyer’s age.’

I semi-frequently witnessed this firsthand several times in Warsaw while picking up my personal stash of beers at Żabka, the beloved convenience store chain that’s found across the country. On numerous occasions, I saw groups of teenagers getting rejected by firm (yet lawful) cashiers, only to turn to patrons in line and ask them to purchase alcohol for them.

I don’t doubt that the more ‘local’ the establishment and the farther outside of major cities and tourist hotspots you are, the less strict ID checks are!

Pale Ale Travel Note: I don’t want to endorse drinking underage, even though it was something I did in the United States growing up (and I know plenty of kids do/still turn out alright). But just know that while the general rule is that you cannot consume alcohol and/or purchase alcohol under the age of 18 in Poland, it still isn’t completely off the table as I did encounter a handful of groups under 18 at several bars and outdoor terraces in Kraków. 

Self-Checkout of Alcohol is a No-No

I made the mistake (a non-zero sum of times) thinking that I could scan and purchase alcohol at the many self-checkout stations of Żabka, Biedronka (supermarkets), and other stores. Simply put, this can’t be done and you will need to present your alcohol before a cashier – who will determine if you should be ID’ed or not. 

Granted, I’m 34 years old so I wasn’t ever ID’ed in a convenience store or supermarket. However, I did go to several lounges and fancier bars/clubs during my time in Warsaw where I was ID’ed at the door. 

My balding hairline, on par with most 60-year-olds’, did nothing to dissuade the bouncers from ID’ing me. 

Bring Your ID!

Acceptable forms of identification (should you be ID’ed) include:

• Passport
• National ID card (dowód osobisty)
• Driver’s license
• European Union ID card
• International student card with photo and date of birth

I know for tourists (myself included) that it isn’t always practical to carry your passport with you, so consider making photocopies of your passport before you arrive in Poland. This is usually the best ‘play’ as passports are always recognized forms of identification, while alternative forms are not always accepted (and generally venue-dependent). 

I also showed my U.S. license and even Hong Kong ID to bouncers on several occasions and had no issues whatsoever.  

Important Polish Drinking & Alcohol Laws to Know

From my understanding, Poland’s alcohol regulations and laws reflect an attempted balance between preserving a robust (and rich) drinking culture AND maintaining public order. 

The Number One Polish Alcohol Law You Need to Follow

The craft beer list at Kufle i Kapsle in Warsaw (one of my favorite craft beer bars).

The most important Polish alcohol law you need to know is the law on drunk driving. Do NOT drink alcohol and then drive. Poland doesn’t mess around when it comes to those who consume alcohol and get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. 

In fact, Poland maintains some of Europe’s strictest drunk driving laws, with severe penalties (including prison) for violations: 

The legal blood alcohol limits are: 

• 0.02% – Considered “under the influence”
• 0.05% – Criminal offense

Both thresholds are significantly lower than in many Western countries (ex. United States – 0.08%), reflecting Poland’s near-zero-tolerance approach to drunk driving. 

Expect fines for anything over 0.02%, along with a suspension of your driving license. Anything over 0.05% may result in a criminal conviction and prison time, along with the seizure of the offending vehicle.

Additional penalties apply if, under the influence, you cause an accident, children are in your vehicle, you hold a professional license and/or professional class of driving license, or have previous violations on your record. 

Roadside checks, checkpoint operations, early morning testing, post-accident testing, and holiday testing campaigns are all common in Poland – with breathalyzers being the key way to test for drunk driving and blood tests for more accurate readings.  

Pale Ale Travel Tip: To avoid getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after tossing back a few drinks, make sure to read my article answering ‘Is There Uber in Poland?’. 

Punk in Drublic

I had to use a NOFX quote for this one. As mentioned above, it’s illegal to be drunk in public or consume alcohol in public in Poland. 

Violating this law may result in on-the-spot fines ranging from 100 to 500 PLN or more, forfeiture of alcohol, the requirement to appear before a municipal court, temporary detention (only in severe cases), and additional penalties for disorderly conduct. 

One note I want to make is that in nearly every city I visited and/or stayed in during my 3 months in Poland, you could find a handful of riverside bars, seating areas, and perches where people were consuming alcohol. This is legally permitted. 

For example, in 2023, a top Polish court found that the Vistula River bars, terraces, and seating areas are legally permitted to serve alcohol, and patrons are legally allowed to consume alcohol in these public spaces. 

My Experiences Drinking Alcohol in Poland

Somehow found myself double-fisting wines at Modra Kuchnia in Poznań.

Poland is an incredibly safe country. So, unless you are antagonistic and really injecting yourself into dangerous and volatile situations, you have nothing to worry about. 

The major thing I recommend keeping an eye out for when drinking is AVOIDING THE STRIP CLUB TOUTS! I write this in caps as this is the most annoying and dangerous type of situation you will encounter when drinking alcohol in Poland. 

Most major cities will have men and women attempting to lure you in for free-flow drinks and a good time at a nearby strip club. Keep in mind that this is a scam and you will (a) either be drugged or (b) be charged an exorbitant amount and pressured into paying it by sturdy bouncers. Avoid these people at all costs and simply ignore them.

If it seems too good to be true, that’s because it is. Promise me in the comments that you won’t go into one of these establishments. 

Further, in larger cities like Warsaw and Kraków, just make sure to keep an eye on your drink and cover it up. Do not leave it unattended. This is just common sense that I recommend in all cities, towns, etc… across the world!

Come closing time (for bars, clubs, etc…), things can sometimes get tense in the street as patrons shuffle out and prepare to go home and/or get a late-night snack. Keep a vigilant eye and avoid trying to insert yourself in any scuffles as there’s really no way it ends well for you at all. 

Finally, Poland felt incredibly safe and I never really felt stressed or worried about walking back to my apartment late at night after drinking. This is not to say that you shouldn’t take regular precautions but just to put your mind at ease about any safety concerns!

Frequently Asked Questions About Drinking in Poland

A mango spritz that was to die for at one of my favorite upscale eateries in Warsaw – Patelnia Patera.

Below are several frequently asked questions about drinking in Poland that I personally had (and learned the answer to) before heading over to Lechia (an old name for Poland). 

Can Tourists Drink Alcohol in Poland?

As emphasized above, yes. Tourists over the age of 18 may drink alcohol in Poland. Just remember to carry a valid form of photo identification – ideally a passport and/or copy of your passport – to prove you are of age. 

Tourist-heavy areas in cities like Kraków, Warsaw, Gdańsk, Wrocław, and Poznań may have additional regulations or stricter enforcement of existing drinking laws. 

What Happens If I’m Caught Drinking Underage?

If you are a tourist under the age of 18 and are caught drinking alcohol, you may face:

• Immediate confiscation of your alcohol,
• Fine between 500 to 1,000 PLN (or more),
• Possible detention until a parent or guardian is notified,
• Notification to your embassy if you are a foreign tourist (only in severe situations/situations involving disorderly and egregious conduct), 
• Potential legal proceedings, 
• Recording of the alcohol incident in police records. 

Can I Buy Alcohol Late at Night?

In general, it does require some planning if you want to purchase alcohol late at night. For example, most cities and major areas in Poland limit the retail sale of alcohol between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Keep an eye out for bars and restaurants open late, 24-hour convenience stores with special permits (this is relatively rare), hotel bars and room service, and designated entertainment events.

I had the best luck finding alcohol late-night at hotel bars and restaurants. I would work odd hours while living in Poland and often go to hotels that I knew served food and drinks all night so that I could unwind after a long day of taking it on the chin. 

Can You Bring Alcohol From Poland Back Home?

This is something I ran into with my brother, who wanted to bring some vodka home for our mother and neighbors. Yes, you can bring alcohol from Poland back home. However, there are certain restrictions: 

For example, if you live outside of the European Union, you are generally limited to 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine and/or similar beverages, and 16 liters of beer. 

Often, additional amounts of alcohol may be brought back to your home country, subject to duty and other taxes.

There are not typically formal limits for personal use within the European Union. You can find further information on this here. 

Can You Drink Alcohol on Public Transport in Poland?

The key word here is public. And as you already know from above, drinking in public in Poland is illegal – so no, you cannot consume alcohol on public transportation. It is strictly prohibited in Poland. 

This includes both short and long-distance trains, trams, buses, metro systems, and all of their station platforms, waiting areas, and halls!

Can I Consume Alcohol in a Private Residence if I’m Underage?

Drinking alcohol in private residences (ex. Homes, apartments, etc…) is generally unrestricted in Poland. However, several considerations should be kept in mind: 

• Noise ordinances may apply,
• Landlords may impose specific rules,
• Public areas of apartment buildings are considered ‘public property’, 
• Balconies visible from public areas may be subject to public drinking laws,
• Hosts may be held liable for underage drinking in their residences. 

Types of Polish Alcohol You Need to Try

If you are of legal drinking age in Poland and want to know what to drink, here are a few of my favorites:

• Vodka: Served neat or chilled, popular brands like Żubrówka, Belvedere, and Chopin can be widely found across the country. Drink it clear, flavored, or aged! My personal favorite is Soplica Strawberry Vodka Liqueur – a popular flavored vodka that I would drink on the reg while staying in Poznań! 
• Beers: You’ll see Żywiec, Tyskie, and Lech beers on most menus in Poland, with Żywiec essentially being the ‘de facto’ lager (and drinkable beer) of the country. As I wrote about in my ‘Top craft beer bars in Warsaw’ post, craft brews are on the rise, so keep an eye out for breweries like C.K. Browar, Funky Fluid, Furious Meads, and Browar Hopito. 
• Other Spirits & Beverages: Miód pitny (mead) was a go-to honey wine for me, Śliwowica is the quintessential soul-warming plum brandy (especially in southern regions) that is common at the end (or throughout) of a meal, and Nalewki is the traditional fruity or aromatic liqueur consumed with dinner (in small glasses).   

If you have the chance, make sure to try the historical smoked wheat beer Grodziskie which is a golden, clear, smokey lager like nothing I’ve ever tasted before. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Don’t forget to check out the complete archives from my time in Poland – including several comprehensive and practical Poland itineraries. 

Final Thoughts on Poland’s Drinking Age

The first beer I drank in Poland.

Poland was right up my alley in almost every way shape and form. Productivity-wise, my output was off the charts. Exercise-wise, absolutely stellar (shoutout to the Vistula River and Warta River). Drinking-wise, I left no stone (bottle?) unturned. I can see myself living in Poland long-term and know that I’ll be back for another extended stint (at minimum).

Once again, the drinking age in Poland is 18 years old. 

While the strict application of this law may be somewhat more relaxed for tourists, I always recommend adhering to and respecting local laws. After all, you are in someone else’s country – and you don’t want to incur a fine or worse, end up on the television show Locked Up Abroad (both would put a damper on your trip).

This isn’t to fearmonger or deter you from having a blast in Poland. On the contrary, Poland is one of the hippest and most happening countries I’ve been to when it comes to nightlife (of all sorts). There’s no shortage of fun to be had. And trust me, the Polish love a good alcoholic drink or ten – so do I.

This article is simply to provide you with an overview of what you can expect alcohol-wise before you step foot in the country so that you have a safe, lawful, and enjoyable experience.

If you have any questions about traveling to Poland, specifically Warsaw, Gdańsk, Kraków, or Poznań, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email at info@palealetravel.com. Finally, I’d love to hear from you about your favorite beers, spirits, or wines in Poland and any highlights from your trip! 

Drink responsibly everyone,

Big Body