Arche Group – Władysław Grochowski
The situation is becoming increasingly severe, as alcohol is easily accessible, socially accepted, and its abuse is becoming a way to regulate emotions and cope with stress. This problem also stems from a pathological “drinking culture” in which alcohol is present in almost every situation. The social and economic costs of this situation in Poland are estimated, depending on the area of damage, at approximately PLN 93–180 billion annually, which far exceeds excise tax revenues (approx. PLN 13–14 billion). These mainly include premature mortality, loss of productivity, costs of treating alcohol-related diseases (over PLN 23 billion), as well as crime and road accidents. Cities and resorts are also fighting alcoholism. For example, the authorities in Sopot have for years been taking steps to change the city’s image from a “party hub” to a more family-friendly, cultural, and resident-friendly resort. This is due to the desire to limit the nuisances associated with mass entertainment tourism, noise, and alcohol-related incidents. Meanwhile, Warsaw will introduce a ban on the sale of alcohol in shops and petrol stations between 10 PM and 6 AM starting from June 1, 2026.
Hotels without alcohol?
— Alcoholism in Poland is still a taboo subject, yet it is very common. When we discussed this with our employees, it turned out that almost every one of them knows someone in their close or very close circle affected by alcohol addiction. Our actions are a signal showing that Arche is strongly supporting the anti-alcohol campaign, which focuses on reducing consumption, education, and changing the mentality associated with drinking alcohol. It is also a challenge and part of a broader concept that fits into the trend of health tourism, building a “wellness” brand, and increasing guest safety and comfort. Ultimately, such social problems and awareness of them should be more strongly addressed from the grassroots, because we cannot always count on the effectiveness of politicians — explains Władysław Grochowski, a well-known Polish philanthropist and entrepreneur from the hotel and development sector.
In response to the current situation, Arche Group will conduct pilot anti-alcohol campaigns in its facilities in the coming months, which include actions related to direct staff responses, education, and the implementation of informational procedures. The latest set of internal rules in the hotels of this chain is based not only on the provisions of the Act on Upbringing in Sobriety and Counteracting Alcoholism, which imposes a number of obligations on entrepreneurs such as: strict control of the sale and serving of alcohol (hotels must have a valid license for alcohol sales, and its sale or serving to intoxicated persons or minors is strictly prohibited), staff training (educating staff on recognizing states of intoxication and procedures for refusing alcohol sales in accordance with regulations), marking areas where consumption is prohibited (informing about the prohibition of alcohol consumption in public spaces such as lobbies, corridors, playgrounds), prevention and education, and appropriate response to disturbances, but also on the gradual complete withdrawal of its sale in selected test facilities in Łódź.
Arche indicates that combating the problem of alcoholism is a complex process that requires a combination of professional therapy, support from loved ones, and strong motivation from the addicted person to change their lifestyle. And as reports alarm, after the pandemic, the number of people drinking alcoholic beverages daily has increased to nearly 8% of Poles, and 12 million are exposed to the negative social consequences of alcoholism. Our environment and a space free from so-called triggers are also extremely important. Alcoholism is a chronic disease, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), which means that the fight against addiction often lasts a lifetime. The social consequences of alcohol abuse mainly include the breakdown of family ties, domestic violence, social isolation, and enormous economic costs for the state. The disease leads to loss of employment, legal problems, traffic accidents, and the perpetuation of dysfunctions in subsequent generations.
Triggers hidden under the counter
— Although for many establishments, alcohol sales represent significant profit, there are several reasons why this phenomenon should be limited. The fight against alcoholism is a complex and multi-stage process, where not only specialized treatment but also changing the environment and removing so-called triggers – such as the sight of bottles – are crucial. Therefore, we gradually plan to stop displaying high-proof spirits on bar and restaurant shelves in our hotels, so that bottles do not tempt our guests. Alcohol will be sold, as it were, “under the counter,” because customers will only find it upon explicit request on a special menu. Furthermore, we intend to offer a 20% discount for alcohol-free weddings. Social actions, limiting availability, and prevention among youth are also key here. Hence, we not only want to strongly promote alcohol-free events and beverages but also, on a trial basis, completely cease alcohol sales in two of our facilities in Łódź. However, this requires first carrying out a process related to logistics and phasing out existing contracts. In essence, we aim to genuinely confront the problem and reduce alcohol consumption, rather than creating a situation where 24-hour liquor stores sprout up like mushrooms near our facilities. We plan to summarize the actual effects of all pilot actions in October this year. Then we will see which elements were most effective and worth implementing permanently in Arche facilities — informs Arche President Władysław Grochowski.
It is also worth noting that for many years, thanks to exceptional actions encompassing corporate social responsibility, the president of Arche, together with his wife and the team of employees from the Lena Grochowska Foundation, has been conducting extensive activities integrating communities, activating excluded persons, those with intellectual disabilities, and helping repatriates, refugees, or people experiencing homelessness, as well as running resocialization programs for inmates in correctional facilities. These activities include, among others: employing over one hundred people with various dysfunctions and limitations in the foundation in Siedlce and other regional branches, or the “ToMY” chain of cafes, as well as comprehensive support for people emerging from homelessness, and training apartments for people with disabilities in a social farm called Eko Farma.
Strategy aligned with the latest trends
— Our pilot action is an introduction to developing an innovative concept of holistic hotels without alcohol, without televisions and other forms of overstimulation, based on a “slow life” style, where facilities will focus on relaxation, social interactions, nature, and locality. These are ideal places to escape the daily hustle and bustle, where stays are meant to be relaxing not only for the body but also for the soul. In fact, alcohol-free hotels and resorts are gaining popularity worldwide, catering to the needs of a large group of sober tourists, people in recovery, and those seeking health-focused relaxation. These are facilities where you will not find any alcoholic beverages in bars, restaurants, or mini-bars, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere during stays. These hotels often advertise themselves as 100% alcohol-free, family-friendly, or health-oriented zones. It is also worth adding that alcohol-free holidays can be significantly cheaper than standard “all-inclusive” offers, which is particularly beneficial for families. Certainly, such unique features of facilities become a key differentiator for their comfort, building unforgettable brand experiences, and adapting to individual customer needs — adds Adam Białas, Director of Communication and Operations and Spokesperson for Arche Group S.A.
It is also worth recalling that this is not the first Arche Group initiative aimed at solving important social problems. For many years, the company has run a program for its employees rewarding smoking cessation, which has been utilized by 159 employees. It involves paying a bonus for abstinence of PLN 200 per month for six consecutive months — a total of PLN 1,200 — from the time of quitting nicotine products. Furthermore, nearly seven months ago, Arche Group President Władysław Grochowski launched the “Arche Generations” program aimed at curbing the negative demographic trend in our country. Under this program, every couple who, since the end of September last year, conceives a child during a stay at one of the Arche chain hotels, will receive a free family celebration related to the birth, e.g., a christening, organized in one of the event halls or restaurants of this chain. In addition, employees of the company and apartment buyers can count on a reward of PLN 10,000 for each child born within 5 years from the date of purchase of a residential unit for their own housing purposes. Interestingly, since September last year, Arche has already paid the promised benefits to its employees for the birth of 27 children, and the idea gained worldwide attention through leading media outlets including the Financial Times, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, The Sun, China Today, and CNN. Through his actions, the president of Arche successfully drew attention to the growing demographic problem and encouraged other companies to implement pro-maternity incentives.
About Arche
Arche S.A. is the largest Polish hotel chain with domestic capital, specializing in saving historic buildings. It is a social enterprise, meaning an economic entity that voluntarily incorporates important public issues, the common good, and environmental matters into its business strategy and stakeholder relations. It operates ethically, invests in human resources, cares for the environment, and engages in local community affairs, treating these actions as a significant element of development. The company started from scratch over 35 years ago, and recently launched its 24th hotel property in its unique collection in Muszyna. During this time, the company has managed to save many historic buildings from destruction, such as the Żnin Sugar Factory, Uphagen Manor in Gdańsk, the Monastery in Wrocław, Łochów Palace and Farm, and Janów Podlaski Castle, and is currently carrying out a number of similar investments across the country, including a massive revitalization of EC Szombierki in Bytom. The Group primarily invests in unique historic buildings that carry historical potential, making them very attractive to tourists. Its pilot activities coincide with the entry into a key phase of the “Arche 2030” development strategy, with a budget of approximately PLN 3 billion. The goal is to increase the number of hotels to 50 and thus the number of rooms to 10,000 within the next few years. At that point, the annual capacity of the chain will increase from 1.2 million last year to nearly 2.5 million guests, and from 6,000 in 2025 to 15,000 MICE events. For years, the Group has also enabled small Polish investors to earn from tourism (in the HoReCa and MICE sectors) through its proprietary Arche System, which goes beyond standard condo or aparthotel models. A total of approximately PLN 1.2 billion has been invested in it, primarily used to revitalize many historic buildings, post-industrial facilities, degraded and forgotten places often located in unconventional locations across the country. This approach combines real estate investment with saving historic sites and social activity. Last year, investors within the Arche System received payments totaling over PLN 69 million net from generated profits, which is over PLN 13 million more than the previous year. It is worth emphasizing that hotels with a dispersed ownership structure are often owned by seniors and give them the opportunity to supplement their pensions and benefit from owner stays.
