European city loved by Brits bans night-time pub crawls – despite being known for its beer
A EUROPEAN city known for its beer has banned nigh- time pub crawls.
Prague is loved by Brits as being an affordable city break destination, thanks to budget airlines offering affordable flights.
The city welcomed more than seven million tourists last year, compared to the 1.3million locals.
But the Czechia’s city’s major has said they want to crack down on pub tour crawls at night, a popular activity with holidaymakers.
The capitals deputy mayor said the organised pub crawls would now be banned for eight hours at night.
He said yesterday: “It will not be possible to have guided tours between 10pm and 6am.”
The crackdown is to encourage “more cultured, wealthier tourists”.
The motion reads: “[The] unreasonable consumption of alcohol and disruptive behavior associated with pub crawls can create the impression of a lack of culture in the community, reduce the feeling of safety.
“[It] can have a negative impact on the perception of the municipality by tourists, potential investors and the citizens themselves.”
The city known for its beer – with Czechs drinking the most pints per capita in the world.
A recent study found it had the one of the highest density of pubs per person in the world.
Conducted by money.com, the city has 47.87 pubs per 100,000 people.
It is even home to ‘Europe’s largest pub crawl’ tour, called Prague Pub Crawls which has free drinks and club entries.
The company hit back at the rules, claiming not only are badly behaved tourists kicked out of the tour, but that the tours end at 12:30pm.
The cheap flights and abundance of bars and pubs has led to it becoming a popular stag do location as well.
Earlier this year, other restrictions were being discussed including the banning of “outrageous costumes” and fancy dress in a bid to reduce noisy stag and hen parties.
What is a holiday to Prague like?
The Sun’s Mark Hodge recently visited the Czech capital for a quick trip.
“Prague offers huge bang for your buck, with return flights from £35, 4* hotels at £55 per night and draft lager for £1.50.
“The Old Town is so magical it’s easy to see why blockbusters including Casino Royale, The Bourne Identity and Oscar-winning Amadeus were filmed here.
“You can pick up a pint for around £3 in these parts but, if you venture to the outskirts of the city, you can grab a cold draft for just £1.50, a barman tells me.
“If you want to live like a local, then Spa Beerland, in the Old Town, is the place to try it out.
“Here, you’ll find handmade, 1,000-litre oak tubs filled with beer and a herbal mix to help you relax.”
And Prague is not the only city looking to encourage a different style of tourists.
Amsterdam’s crack down over the years has been to prevent rowdy tourists, leading to a ban on large group tours and restrictions on alcohol sales.
The Dutch capital’s “stay away” campaign urges tourists to consider going elsewhere if they’re only planning to “let loose”.
Venice has also followed suit, with a ban on loudspeakers and large groups.