Party District Silence Regulation Enters into Effect

Fanni Kaszás 2020.08.27.

Back in June, the local government of Budapest’s 7th District, the so-called “party district,” adopted new rules concerning pubs, bars, and clubs in the area which regulate the opening hours and operation of restaurants at night, more strictly than ever before. As of midnight today, the new regulations will be in effect, and venues can only stay open during the night with a special permit. However, many places are still waiting for feedback from the municipality and there is a lot of uncertainty about closing hours.

As we previously reported, in June the general assembly of Erzsébetváros (VII District) adopted new restrictions and a decree on noise protection that regulates the opening hours and operation of restaurants at night more strictly than ever before.

Draconian New Law Puts Budapest's Party District's Existence at Risk

Last Thursday, the local government of Budapest’s 7th District, the so-called “party district” adopted new rules concerning pubs, bars, and clubs in the area, which regulates the opening hours and operation of restaurants at night more strictly than ever before. Among others, one rule states that bars and restaurants can be open between midnight and […]Continue reading

The new rules state that places in the area bordered by Király Street, Erzsébet Boulevard (on both sides), Rákóczi Road, and Károly Boulevard can only be open between midnight and 6 am if they request and receive a special permit from the local government. Shops can only stay open after midnight if they don’t sell alcohol between 10pm and 6am.

Fact

The inner part of the downtown 7th district, spanning from Károly Körút to Erzsébet Körút, also known as the “party district,” has long been under debate. Over the years, the party scene has grown greater every year, generating higher and higher profits for business owners and tax for the central and local governments. However, the noise and behavior of party-goers, the garbage littering the streets, and the extended opening hours have been the subject of a long-standing feud between residents, apartment leasers, and club owners.

The new regulations enter into effect from midnight today. However, many places are still waiting for feedback from the municipality regarding their special permit, enabling them to stay open after midnight. Thus, there is a lot of uncertainty about closing hours.

According to information from hvg.hu, several nightclubs have applied for the post-midnight opening permit at the last minute, others are still arranging additional paperwork, or are just about to get one of the permits for the post-midnight opening. However, many venues say that they don’t even have official permission, although they requested it in time. Others were only told verbally that they do not have to close at midnight, but did not receive an official permit. However, hvg.hu reports that those who have not received a specific rejection and are still in the process of applying for a permit have nothing to fear.

Based on data as of August 19th, 128 applications were received by the municipal authority by that day, and permits were issued for opening hours after midnight in 43 cases.

featured photo: Márton Mónus/MTI