Prague 1 District Considers Ban on Outrageous Tourist Costumes

The Prague 1 district is considering a ban on the outrageous costumes worn by tourists during stag and hen parties in an effort to address the disruptive behavior and nuisance caused by these groups in the city center. The proposed measure aims to maintain the dignity and character of the historic area, which is a popular destination for visitors.

A Prague councilor has stated that "these ridiculous costumes must go" as part of the district's attempt to curb the inappropriate attire and conduct associated with the stag and hen parties. The authorities are currently working on drafting the necessary regulations to implement the costume ban, which would restrict the types of outfits allowed in certain parts of Prague 1.

Residents of the district have expressed their frustration with the disruption caused by the tourist groups, with one local even resorting to a hunger strike in protest of the noise on Dlouhá Street, an area known for its nightlife and pub crawls. The district council recently approved a resolution to negotiate with the city municipality regarding a potential ban, acknowledging that a direct prohibition may not be the most suitable solution.

Prague 1 has long struggled with tourism focused solely on nightlife activities, with opposition politicians accusing the incumbent councilors of not doing enough to address the issue of night noise. The district management had previously considered limiting the opening hours of businesses in the busiest areas as a means of mitigating the problem.

Deputy Mayor Petr Hejma emphasized the district's commitment to finding a solution, stating, "We are doing our best to ensure that Prague 1 remains a pleasant place to live for our residents, while still welcoming visitors who respect our city's unique character and history." The district authorities plan to continue discussions with stakeholders and the city municipality to develop a comprehensive approach to managing the impact of stag and hen parties on the community.

Key Takeaways

• Prague 1 district considers banning outrageous tourist costumes for stag/hen parties.
• Proposed measure aims to maintain dignity and character of historic city center.
• Residents frustrated by disruptive behavior and noise from tourist groups.
• District may limit business hours to mitigate problems, but direct ban may not be suitable.
• Outcome could set precedent for other cities dealing with disruptive tourist behavior.