Prague proposes 'ridiculous' ban to deter British stag dos and hen parties

Prague has proposed a ban on fancy dress, in what is being described as a "ridiculous and slightly embarrassing" attempt to deter British stag parties from visiting the city. The proposal, which could impact UK tourists planning stag dos and hen parties in the European Union holiday hotspot, comes from councillors in Prague's central district.

The councillors believe that such a ban would help reduce noise pollution for local residents. However, Matt Mavir, managing director at Last Night of Freedom, a company that organises trips to Prague for thousands of customers each year, has labelled the proposal as "just silly".

Matt, who has organised 50,000 weekends over his 25-year career, said: "Like the over-zealous and unworkable 'stag ban' in Amsterdam, the only thing I can see this latest proposal doing is encouraging even more people to book a stag or hen do in Prague," He questioned how such a ban could be enforced and who would decide what constitutes outrageous attire, describing the proposal as "ridiculous and slightly embarrassing."

He added: "The vast majority of stag and hen groups are respectful and go to Prague and other destinations to have fun. There are already established laws in place to deal with offensive items, so I can't see what use a ban on fancy dress costumes would serve."

"Prague has always been among our very top destinations for stags to escape into hedonism, and I can't ever see that changing. There's just so much to do, see and experience," said Matt. "It's a beautiful and wonderfully welcoming city, but a few short-sighted officials should be careful not to demonise tourists and potentially jeopardise a vital and profitable industry.", reports Birmingham Live.

"Stag and hen dos are the bedrock of a healthy tourism industry, especially when properly organised, and they bring fun, vibrancy and a massive economic benefit to Prague. It could be very harmful to turn away such a valuable market, and I'd urge the councillors discussing these plans to think again."

However, Adam Zabransky, the councillor for property, transparency and legislation, stated: "We understand the frustration with pub crawls and drunken tourists, but imposing a ban on silly costumes seems excessive."