# Poland alcohol and tobacco regulation proposals > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/poland-alcohol-and-tobacco-regulation-proposals > Updated: 2026-08-27T08:32:00.000Z. Sources: 32. Developments: 2. The Polish government is exploring new fiscal and regulatory measures targeting the alcohol and tobacco industries to support public health. Initial proposals included a 0.25% levy on the annual sales value of alcohol and tobacco products to establish an independent Public Health Fund. While estimated to generate 225 million PLN annually, the plan faced opposition from the Ministry of Development and Technology due to concerns regarding business interference and the potential for increased gray market activity. Legislative discussions have since expanded to include restrictions on small, high-proof alcohol bottles, referred to as ‘małpki’. Lawmakers have reached a consensus on the need to address the social and environmental impacts of these containers, which are sold in volumes of 1 to 3 million daily. Due to EU regulatory constraints regarding technical packaging bans, the government is considering alternatives such as a fourfold increase in excise taxes for small bottles or the implementation of a deposit-return system. Recent developments show that lawmakers from across the political spectrum, including PiS, KO, and Lewica, have reached a cross-party consensus within the Health Committee. Discussions have highlighted specific concerns regarding addiction, environmental littering, and morning alcohol consumption, which is estimated at 400,000 units daily. While a formal amendment has not yet been submitted, the issue is expected to return to the Sejm in September. To avoid the procedural delays associated with notifying the European Commission of technical packaging regulations, politicians are considering a dedicated, cross-party legislative project focused on alternative measures like excise tax increases or deposit systems. ## Claims - Jerzy Polaczek estimates the daily sale of small alcohol bottles is approximately one million units. (single source) - Daily sales of small alcohol bottles in Poland range from 1 to 3 million units. (single source) - Approximately 400,000 small alcohol bottles are sold during morning hours. (single source) - The Health Committee accepted a subcommittee report and forwarded a project for a second reading. (single source) - The government is considering a fourfold increase in excise tax for alcohol in small bottles. (single source) - The government is considering including small alcohol bottles in a deposit-return system. (single source) - A ban on specific packaging types is considered a technical regulation requiring EU notification. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-27: Polish lawmakers seek ban on small-format alcohol bottles Polish politicians from various parties have reached a consensus on banning or restricting small-format high-proof alcohol bottles to combat addiction and morning drinking. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-considers-ban-or-higher-taxes-on-small-alcohol-bottles ### 2026-08-25: Poland proposes new alcohol and tobacco levy to fund public health Poland is considering a 0.25% levy on alcohol and tobacco sales to fund a new Public Health Fund, though officials warn of potential increases in the gray market. 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-proposes-tax-reforms-for-entrepreneurs-and-investors --- Cite as: Poland alcohol and tobacco regulation proposals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/poland-alcohol-and-tobacco-regulation-proposals