Prague bans pub crawls in response to night noise complaints

The Prague City Council has officially banned pub crawls—nightly, agency-organized tours that take tourists from pub to pub. The decision, which was approved today by city councillors, is set to take effect immediately following its publication in the legislative bulletin. The ban, driven by complaints from Prague 1, aims to reduce nighttime disturbances caused by loud, intoxicated tourists.

Prague 1, the district most affected by noisy nightlife, had long pushed for stronger action. According to Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates), the regulation was formulated in collaboration with local tourism authorities, including Prague City Tourism, and traditional tour guides, who can continue their activities between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Another Deputy Mayor, Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09), noted that guides had no objections to the ban on pub crawls.

The new measure amends Prague’s market regulations, specifically targeting the “errand provision of services,” which includes pub crawls, while exempting guided tours during the daytime. City officials argue that pub crawls contribute to noise, litter, and security issues, straining the city’s resources. “Excessive deployment of municipal services, including cleaning crews and police, puts a burden on the city budget and personnel,” states the proposal’s explanatory report. Officials also raised concerns about Prague’s image, suggesting that groups of drunken tourists harm the city’s reputation and deter both visitors and investors.

However, not everyone agrees with the ban. Prague Pub Crawl, one of the agencies impacted, criticized the move as “populist” and ineffective at addressing the core issues of night noise. “Our clients are instructed to respect quiet hours after 10:00 PM, and any rule breakers are excluded from the tour,” said a spokesperson. The company further argued that the real problem occurs after midnight on streets like Dlouhá, where crowds gather outside clubs, often until the early morning. They believe the ban will worsen the situation, as tourists will still seek out nightlife, but without the structure and supervision of organized tours.

Another agency, Drunken Monkey, echoed similar concerns. “It’s the unguided groups that cause the most noise,” said the company in a statement, suggesting that the ban will backfire by removing trained guides who help maintain order. Since starting operations in 2011, Drunken Monkey claims it has not received any complaints for noise violations.

In contrast, Prague 1’s leadership welcomed the new regulation. “This updated market order is a powerful tool to maintain order and minimize the negative effects of street noise on residents and visitors,” said Terezie Radoměřská (TOP 09), Mayor of Prague 1.

Prague has long struggled with “alcotourism,” where young foreign visitors come to the city for cheap alcohol. The city’s broader issue of overtourism is also a concern, with last year’s figures showing 7.4 million tourists staying in hotels, a 25% year-on-year increase, according to the Czech Statistical Office.

While the ban has sparked debate, the city hopes it will lead to quieter nights in Prague’s historic center, improving the quality of life for both locals and tourists alike.

Source: CTK