Enforcement of Alcohol Restrictions in Strasbourg Faces Scrutiny

Earlier this year, Strasbourg implemented a new municipal decree aimed at curbing public alcohol consumption. The decree specifically targets the area around Place Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux,a known gathering spot,in an attempt to address issues related to public order. But has this measure truly made a difference?

The Decree: A Year-Round Approach

The municipal decree,enacted in March 2025,prohibits the consumption of alcohol that disrupts public order on public roads. This ban is in effect every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., spanning from October 1st to April 30th. This complements a pre-existing decree from 2016, which covered the months of May through September. The city of Strasbourg stated that this new decree is:

a response to a new problematic, visible all year round, beyond the summer season.
City of Strasbourg Press Release

This suggests a shift in the city’s approach, acknowledging that the issues related to public drinking are not limited to the warmer months.

Local Businesses Remain Skeptical

Despite the city’s efforts, local business owners near Place Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux express doubts about the decree’s effectiveness. When questioned about the impact, many responded negatively.

One local trader noted, The change is not obvious. Another confirmed, There was not a lot of change, no. A third merchant stated, We see the same thing every day. One even suggested, It is sometimes even worse.

These accounts paint a picture of a situation that has remained largely unchanged despite the new regulations.

Nuisances and Concerns Persist

According to several merchants, the continued presence of individuals consuming alcohol in public contributes to various disturbances. Reports include regular fights and even allegations of drug trafficking. One witness claimed that individuals have simply:

replaced the bottles with bottles of water, but the content remains the same.

This suggests that individuals are finding ways to circumvent the ban, highlighting the challenges of enforcement.

A Complex Relationship

While many express concerns, one interviewee indicated a more nuanced relationship with the individuals who frequent the area. They stated that they could:

work in good intelligence with squatters… Those who are there all the time do not pose too much worries. It is indeed more those who come occasionally.

This suggests that the issues may stem more from transient individuals rather than those who are regularly present.

Police Presence: A Temporary Solution?

Opinions on the frequency and effectiveness of police interventions vary. Some claim increased police presence, while others report the opposite. One seller stated that while spontaneous patrols may have increased, responses to calls for assistance during fights are often met with the response:

Sorry, but we have no one.

Regardless of the frequency, the consensus seems to be that police intervention offers only a temporary solution. As one observer noted, The squatters disperse when the police are there, but they come back ten minutes later.

This “cat and mouse” dynamic underscores the difficulty of enforcing the alcohol ban and addressing the underlying issues.

Moving Forward: A Need for Comprehensive Solutions

The mixed reactions to Strasbourg’s alcohol ban highlight the complexities of addressing public order issues.While the decree represents an effort to improve the situation, the accounts from local businesses suggest that more comprehensive solutions may be needed. This could include increased social support services, community engagement initiatives, and a more coordinated approach between law enforcement and local stakeholders.

As of today, the city of Strasbourg and the national police have not provided further comments on the matter.