Szeged assembly passes new regulation on nighttime alcohol sales – no automatic business closures

Szeged, February 15, 2025 – The City of Szeged’s assembly voted yesterday to adopt new legislation regulating the nighttime opening hours of businesses that sell alcoholic beverages. The municipal decree passed with 20 votes in favor and 6 against. The regulation does not call for the automatic closure of any businesses.

The new rules introduce a nighttime permit system that applies to opening hours between 23:00 and 6:00, and between 22:00 and 6:00 for businesses operating in residential buildings and apartment blocks. Every business selling alcoholic beverages – such as bars, pubs, and convenience stores – will receive this permit automatically, ensuring that their current opening hours remain unchanged unless violations occur.

Businesses must comply with certain conditions to retain their nighttime permits, including keeping the street in front of their premises clean and ensuring that guests do not disturb local residents. Failure to meet these conditions may result in the permit being revoked, with businesses required to reapply before resuming nighttime operations.

The regulation is aimed at balancing the needs of businesses with the concerns of residents, particularly in areas with many bars. However, it does not apply to establishments operating within accommodation facilities, gas stations, student balls, graduation banquets, the Szeged Open-Air Festival, the Coca-Cola SZIN Festival, or the Day of Szeged Celebration Series, among others.

The new law is not without precedent. Parts of Budapest, as well as other Hungarian cities, have already implemented similar regulations to address nighttime disturbances and maintain public order.

The legislation will come into force on April 15, 2025.

Featured image: Louis Hansel / Unsplash