Prague Police Crack Down on Žižkov’s Troubled Orion Club

Orion club in Prague’s Žižkov has become notorious among locals for repeated disturbances.

Owned by a Ukrainian entrepreneur, the club attracts a predominantly young Ukrainian clientele, who have gained a reputation for rowdy behavior.

According to residents, club-goers frequently disrupt the area by drinking excessively, creating noise, and leaving litter, vomit, and other waste in their wake.

These disturbances, dating back to 2020, have recently intensified, drawing the attention of national media.

Residents have inundated the Prague 3 district office with complaints and even launched a petition, demanding action to address the escalating problems. Now, it appears the authorities are responding.

First Inspection Finds Illicit Alcohol and Cigarettes

On Friday, November 8, the Czech Customs Administration conducted an initial inspection of Orion nightclub, uncovering alcohol and cigarettes lacking Czech excise stamps. As a result, the club’s owner faces potential administrative proceedings and a significant fine.

Sunday Night Police Raid Blocks Off Street

In a larger show of force, around 30 officers from the Prague Police raided the club late on Sunday, November 10. After sealing off Řehořova Street, officers conducted searches and checked identification for people standing outside the club or sitting in parked cars. Following the initial checks, police moved inside the club, sending guests outside one by one.

For guests without identification, officers handed them over to the Czech Foreign Police for further verification. According to Novinky, the vast majority of those present were young Ukrainian citizens.

Inside the club, police discovered two intoxicated 17-year-old girls. One registered a blood alcohol level over 1.5, and the other over 1.0. The girls were handed over to their parents, and authorities notified child welfare services. “The investigation into how these minors obtained alcohol is ongoing,” Kropáčová added.

Orion nightclub operates only on Fridays and Saturdays, from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Posts on the club’s social media pages are primarily in Ukrainian, indicating a focus on a Ukrainian-speaking clientele.

Authorities Boost Patrols and Surveillance

Prague 3 district officials note that as the issues arise in public spaces outside the club, the club’s owner cannot be held directly responsible. The district administration’s current strategy is to boost police patrols along Řehořova Street, a measure already in effect with increased night-time surveillance by municipal police.

Additionally, CCTV cameras were installed in October to monitor the area outside Orion, enabling faster responses to any disturbances.

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