Prague is taking a bold step to curb rowdy tourism by banning organized night-time pub crawls, specifically those operated by travel agencies, between 10 PM and 6 AM local time. This move aims to attract more refined visitors and reduce the disorderly behaviour that has plagued the city, particularly in its historic centre. Deputy Mayor Jiri Pospisil envisions Prague as a place where refinement and respect for public space are paramount.
The ban is a response to the negative impact of loud and disruptive tourists, often from the UK, who have affected the city’s reputation and stretched local resources. Prague’s authorities cite noise, safety, and cleanliness concerns as primary reasons for the ban. Officials in the Prague One district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have welcomed the decision, expecting it to mitigate excessive noise and disruption.
While some, like Prague Pub Crawl, criticize the move as a “populist” measure, others, such as Vaclav Starek of the Czech Association of Hotels and Restaurants, believe it won’t hurt business. Starek argues that the ban only targets organized pub crawls, not individual visitors and that these events aren’t necessary for the city’s nightlife.
Prague’s initiative follows Amsterdam’s campaign to discourage young British men from visiting for excessive drinking and drug use. The Czech capital hopes to redefine its tourism landscape, shifting focus from cheap beer and partying to its rich history and cultural attractions. With 7.4 million tourists visiting last year, Prague aims to strike a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving the quality of life for its 1.3 million residents.