European stag do clampdown in two big European tourist hotspots
Stag parties are facing a backlash in two big European tourist destinations - with local authorities cracking down on the hard-drinking, party-happy groups
There are new rules on organised pub crawls in Prague
(Image: Getty )
British stag parties, once subdued by pandemic-induced travel restrictions, have made a boisterous comeback, much to the chagrin of some of Europe's most frequented city destinations. From Budapest's historic cobblestones to those of Prague, local authorities and residents are growing increasingly frustrated with the raucous, alcohol-fuelled groups whose revelry, often involving novelty hats, chants and copious amounts of alcohol, is causing renewed annoyance. In an effort to regain control of their streets and safeguard residents' tranquillity, local authorities are imposing stringent measures, ranging from hefty fines to bans on popular party activities.
In Budapest, a city whose old Jewish Quarter has long been a magnet for stag parties, authorities have introduced penalties for public urination and late-night noise, distributed leaflets at the airport in English, and prohibited the notorious 'beer bikes'.
Now, they're taking even more drastic steps.
As of June 2025, Hungarian municipalities have been granted the authority to regulate who can purchase and rent property locally, aiming to curb the proliferation of foreign-owned party apartments.
Venues now have the discretion to refuse entry to large groups, and pub owners report being more discerning abo
Beer bike rides in Budapest, Hungary
(Image: Getty )
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ut their clientele, reports the Express.
From May 31, new regulations have been implemented in Budapest's 7th district, Erzsébetváros, the city's infamous nightlife hub and home to its legendary 'ruin bars'.
Under these new regulations, strip clubs and other establishments offering live erotic performances are now forbidden from operating past midnight. This measure is intended to rein in the district's more unruly aspects and overhaul its reputation.
A member of WizzAir's cabin crew told The Telegraph: "London flights are the worst. A few weeks ago we called the police to meet us at Budapest as one group [of stags] got angry when we refused to sell them alcohol."
In Prague, local authorities have similarly taken a hard line on party tourism, implementing new noise restrictions, venue licensing controls, and bolstering police patrols in central districts.
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"Beer bikes" have already been banned in Prague, and by the end of 2024, the city plans to further tighten restrictions with a prohibition on organised pub crawls between 10pm and 6am.
Organisers who breach this curfew could face penalties of up to 100,000 Czech koruna, which is approximately £3,453.
Last month, a tragic incident saw a 27 year old-man imprisoned after he fatally struck 31 year old Welsh father David 'Dai' Richards with a vodka bottle during a sudden clash between tourist groups on a stag do in Prague in September 2024.
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