Is drinking on Balaton’s Golden Coast going to be banned?

Dr Róbert Lengyel, the mayor of Siófok, has announced his plans to restrict the consumption and selling of alcohol, and it is safe to say that the party-goers of the Golden Coast of Balaton are not happy.

Dr Lengyel revealed his plans to the public in a Facebook post where he also mentioned legal obstacles to Siófok’s Petőfi promenade’s closure and surveillance by security guards, as well as the updating of their surveillance system in the area.

“The further development of our space surveillance system has started, now we are working on the police being able to directly monitor the events of the promenade from the building of their captaincy soon, and thus be able to react to them immediately,” the mayor wrote.

He also plans to make the promenade an event area again, with the assistance of guards. As of now, it seems that the promenade will close in mid-July, and the guarding will start.

Dr Lengyel also proposed a ban on the consumption of alcohol in public areas and a restriction on selling alcohol in commercial shops during a board meeting on July 16th. The aim of these proposals would be to make the city safer and more livable for residents during the summer.

The ban on alcohol consumption in public spaces – meaning streets, squares, parks, and waterfront promenades – would ensure that there is no swigging by anyone in public spaces without consequences while the restriction of purchasing alcohol from commercial shops – not restaurants or pubs – would ensure that there are no empty beer or other alcoholic beverage bottles and cans lying around on the streets.

Both of the drafts are supported by the police, and if the board also approves, they will be put in motion.

This comes not long after a very strict regulation was accepted in Budapest’s party district, sparking protest from the employees.

“I can hear in advance the objections of the sceptics and the threats of those opposed as well, and I am aware that not a single magic spell will change everything. But we take a few steps here, and there can be visible results over time.” And Dr Lengyel is right, the post was flooded with comments, mostly questioning the decision in various tones.

“I see a way bigger problem with some restaurants on the promenade, e.g. the Renegade, still being open at 6 o’clock, the music is blasting, and the hyped-up guests do not want to go home. I don’t know what kind of legislations are possible, but I think opening hours should be restricted first if possible because I think this is a bigger problem, or I could say the real problem,” one Facebook user wrote in the comments.

“But it is a good thing that the mayor is trying to do something. It should be supported instead of being all pedantic. By the way, there should be a system here, like there is in Finland. In regular shops only drinks under 5% can be purchased. Everything else in liquor stores, which close at night. In the whole country,” another user suggested.

A couple of journalists from Index went undercover on the Golden Coast at night to find out what the people partying thought. As it can be expected, the youth were very much against it, most of them saying that Siófok is for partying, that is what they go there for. If they cannot party until morning, then what is the point of going there.

Read also10 interesting facts about the “Hungarian Sea”, Lake Balaton

Source: Daily News Hungary