The government is preparing an alcohol revolution. What will change?

The plans include a tightening of the ban on alcohol advertising, including beer, and limiting online trade. Experts and producers have divided sentences, and the market is afraid of a decrease in revenues.

Amendment to the Act on Upbringing in Sobriety

The Ministry of Health announced consultations of the draft amendment to the Act on Upbringing in Sobriety and Counteracting Alcoholism of 1982. Key changes concern alcohol advertising. Although the project does not provide for the legalization of alcohol sales via the Internet, it assumes the extension of the ban on promotion to all types of alcohol, including beer.

Equal rules for any alcohol

The previous regulations gave the privileged position of beer, which could have been advertised in the media and public space. Experts have been arguing for years that this is unfair to wine producers and spirit drinks. In their opinion, since all drinks contain the same chemical – ethyl alcohol – the rules of their promotion should be unified.

Alcohol industry in fear of losses

According to Bartłomiej Morzycki from the Association of Employers, the Polish breweries may negatively affect sales. Estimates indicate a possible reduction in the market by 15 percent. and a decrease in budget revenues from excise and VAT by PLN 1.4 billion per year. Brewery manufacturers reject the allegations that advertising drives beer consumption.

New regulations regarding alcohol packaging

Packaging regulations are to be another change. The Ministry of Health wants to prohibit the sale of alcohol in packaging reminiscent of products for children or food drinks. He suggests that alcoholic beverages in small volumes are available only in glass or metal.

Economic freedom versus public health

Some experts point out that restrictions may violate the constitutional freedom of conducting business activity. They indicate the need to better enforce current regulations instead of getting tightened.

The proposed changes are controversial, but they are aimed at reducing alcohol exposure in public space and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The ministry announces that all comments submitted during the consultation will be thoroughly analyzed.