Kraków’s Night Commission After One Year: 19 Resolutions, Good Practices, and Compromises

The Sustainable Night-Time Economy Commission has reviewed its first year in operation. In August 2024, mayor Aleksander Miszalski appointed a 30-member task force chaired by Kraków’s first night mayor, Jacek Jordan.

The Commission includes representatives of informal resident groups, NGOs, uniformed services (Police and Municipal Guard), the tourism industry and entrepreneurs, as well as heads of municipal departments and companies relevant to night-time city management. Commission members serve on a voluntary basis, without allowances or remuneration.

Purpose of the Commission

The commission’s role is to set directions and coordinate actions concerning Kraków’s functioning after dark – taking into account the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. Its responsibilities also include initiating research, formulating legislative recommendations, and cooperating with other cities in Poland and abroad.

A Unique Body

Dr Robert Pawlusiński, a researcher on the night-time economy at the Jagiellonian University, notes that the Sustainable Night-Time Economy Commission is unique on a European scale, combining not only market stakeholders but also directors of key City Hall departments and municipal companies. This allows the Commission’s resolutions and ideas to be implemented more quickly and effectively.

Key Actions by the Commission and the Night Mayor

As an advisory body to the Mayor of Kraków, the Commission has developed a range of recommendations for changes in national and local laws:

• The Commission prepared a draft so-called “anti-noise” resolution to limit the use of sound equipment in Kraków between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., excluding acoustically secured venues as well as mass events and ceremonies. The Kraków City Council adopted the Commission’s proposals unanimously, broadening the scope to also cover installations and devices whose noise could negatively affect the environment (Resolution No. XX/465/25).
• It submitted a request to the national authorities to expand the powers of municipal guards so that they could conclude interventions independently without needing to call the police. Mayor Miszalski forwarded this to the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, and it is now under consideration by the Joint Commission of the Government and Local Government.
• It proposed raising the upper limit for fines. Currently, the City Guard can issue a maximum fine of PLN 500 – unchanged for two decades. The Ministry confirmed the need for change and announced work to explore legal amendments.
• It called on the Ministry of Health and members of the Sejm Health Committee to allow municipalities to extend the ban on night-time retail alcohol sales to include the morning hours until 8 a.m. (currently allowed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.).
• It recommended changes to the allocation of reserved parking spaces in the city centre, including limiting one entity to only one space and increasing the reservation fee. This would require a City Council resolution.

The Commission also undertook non-legislative measures based on dialogue and consensus among market stakeholders:

• It developed a set of good practices for hospitality businesses. This non-binding document sets desirable standards for responsible operations, including at night. The City’s Administrative Affairs Department distributed it to over a thousand municipal hospitality contractors, and leaflets are available at the Business Service Point. A “Neighbour-Friendly Venue” certificate is in preparation for venues operating with respect for their surroundings and the local community.
• A working group negotiated with “pub crawl” organisers – guided tours of multiple pubs and clubs at night – resulting in a set of commitments to reduce the negative impact of such events. The night mayor’s team monitors compliance during night patrols and reports partial improvement.
• Jacek Jordan, formerly coordinator of the City Helpers, knows well the challenges in the city centre at night. Both the night mayor and the Commission emphasised the need for a greater presence of enforcement services. In summer, thanks to the Mayor’s allocation of PLN 200,000 for the police and PLN 400,000 for the City Guard, extra foot patrols are possible, with the night mayor also participating.
• The Night Mayor has also held talks with venue operators to raise awareness of excessive noise and encourage mitigation measures. In August, for example, the organiser of rooftop parties at the Jubilat building agreed to stop using loudspeakers and strobe lights on the terrace.

At the Commission’s initiative, educational activities were launched to raise awareness among residents and visitors about noise issues. “Respect Kraków” campaign materials appeared on public transport stops and social media. 13 of Kraków’s 18 districts shared the campaign on their websites and social media profiles. Residents and property managers also contacted the Tourism Department for posters reminding people to respect quiet hours.

Separate from the Commission’s work, the “Respect Kraków” campaign – run since 2019 by the Tourism Department – reminds tourists of the rules for being a good guest, through animations at Kraków Airport baggage claim, posters and screens in public transport vehicles, at stops and the train station, and targeted ads on social media and tourism portals.

International cooperation

In April, the commission held a meeting with representatives from seven cities where a night mayor or night economy commission also operate. The meeting showcased practical examples of balancing nightlife with residents’ needs, such as noise management systems and participatory mechanisms. The night mayor's team remains in regular contact with the international Night Mayors’ network.

Stay informed

Since April 2025, a dedicated subpage on the “Magical Kraków” portal has shared updates on the night-time economy. The Public Information Bulletin publishes minutes from the Commission’s meetings and its working groups.