Are you planning a trip to Prague and wondering what time you can buy alcohol? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will dive into the regulations surrounding alcohol sales in Prague and provide you with all the information you need to know.
Legal Age for Purchasing Alcohol
Before we discuss the timings, it’s important to note that the legal drinking age in Prague is 18 years old. Anyone below this age is prohibited from purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages.
General Alcohol Sales Hours
In Prague, alcohol can be purchased from various establishments such as liquor stores, supermarkets, and bars. However, it’s essential to be aware of their operating hours to ensure that you don’t miss out on buying your favorite drink.
- Liquor Stores: Most liquor stores in Prague are open from early morning until late evening. The usual operating hours are between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm. Some stores may have extended hours or be open 24/7, especially in popular tourist areas.
- Supermarkets: Supermarkets generally follow similar operating hours as liquor stores. They usually open around 8:00 am and close at either 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm.
However, some Supermarkets might have limited alcohol sales after a certain time in the evening.
- Bars and Restaurants: Bars and restaurants in Prague have more flexible alcohol sales hours compared to liquor stores and Supermarkets. You can usually enjoy a drink till late at night as many bars remain open until around midnight or even later. However, it’s worth noting that some establishments might stop serving alcohol earlier if they are located in residential areas or if they choose to close early for business reasons.
Exceptions and Special Days
While the general alcohol sales hours apply to most days, there are exceptions and special days that you should be aware of. Some holidays, such as Christmas Eve (December 24th) and New Year’s Eve (December 31st), might have different regulations regarding alcohol sales.
During these holidays, liquor stores and Supermarkets may close earlier than usual, often around 6:00 pm or even earlier. Bars and restaurants, on the other hand, might have extended hours and stay open until the early hours of the morning to celebrate these occasions.
In Summary
When it comes to buying alcohol in Prague:
- You must be at least 18 years old to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.
- Liquor stores and Supermarkets typically operate from around 8:00 am until 10:00 pm, with some stores open 24/7 or having extended hours in tourist areas.
- Bars and restaurants generally stay open until late at night, but closing times may vary depending on location and business decisions.
- Special days and holidays may have different regulations and operating hours for alcohol sales.
Now that you know the timings for buying alcohol in Prague, you can plan your visit accordingly. Enjoy responsibly!