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.