In fresh months, the subject of alcohol in Poland has become the subject of heated discussions. First the alleged "alcotubs" scandal, and now the scandal of trying to convince the public that beer is not alcohol. Is it just a marketing stunt or a real social problem? The latest investigation by the Institute for marketplace and Social investigation (IBRiS) sheds fresh light on this issue, with politicians and experts debating changes in law. Here's what you request to know!
Beer on censored: fresh data shocks
In late November 2024, IBRiS published a detailed study on alcohol consumption in Poland. The results are surprising: beer is the most frequently chosen first alcoholic drink and regularly consumed by 33% of consumers at least erstwhile a week. For comparison, wine regularly drinks 15.4% of Poles and spirits – 12.8%.
In addition, 20% of respondents believes that drinking 2-3 beers a day is already Alcohol abuse. Beer is besides seen as a beverage o greater possible for addiction than another alcohols. Why? due to the fact that it is treated as a ‘everyday’ drink, not an occasional drink, like vodka or wine.
Advertising beer under the eye: is that manipulation?
IBRiS studies besides revealed that nearly half of Poles believes that beer advertising creates a deceptive belief in its neutral effect on health. The promotion of non-alcoholic beer is peculiarly controversial – 50% of subjects He thinks it's a way around advertising bans.
In consequence to these reports, 51% of Poles in favour a complete ban on advertising alcohol, including beer. It is simply a clear signal that society demands changes in law.
Share politicians: equal opportunities in the alcohol market
On 8 January 2025, the gathering of the Committee on wellness and the Committee on economical Affairs and improvement was held in the Sejm, during which the future of the alcohol manufacture in Poland was discussed. Richard PetruThe president of the committee proposed a extremist solution: absolute ban on advertising of all alcoholic beverages, including beer.
– All alcohols should be treated the same way Petru argued. – Now beer can be advertised and vodka or wine no longer. It's an unequal treatment of the market.
Petru stressed that his proposal is aimed at both protecting public wellness and ensuring fair competition between alcohol producers.
What about the beer? fresh provisions in preparation
Deputy Minister for wellness Wojciech Necessary confirmed that the government is working to amend the Law on Sobriety Education and Anti-Drugism. The planned changes include:
- Prohibition of selling alcohol over the Internet,
- Total ban on advertising alcoholic beverages,
- Limiting the sale of alcohol at petrol stations between 22 and 6.
He besides pointed out issue of excise work on beer. At present, beer taxation is charged differently from spirits, making beer comparatively cheaper. – There should be a minimum price per gram of alcohol said Deputy Minister. – This would force producers to lower the alcohol content of beer, which would benefit public health.
The brewing manufacture under pressure
Polish beer marketplace is dominated by abroad companies: Beer Company (Asahi Breweries), Group of Lives (Heineken Group) and Carlsberg Poland (Carlsberg Group). These 3 companies are liable for 80% of beer sales in Poland. A ban on advertising would be a serious challenge for them.
However, as experts point out, unequal treatment of different categories of alcohol distorts competition in the market. If vodka and wine can't be advertised, why should beer be an exception?
Summary: Time for changes?
The increasing public awareness and force from NGOs make the subject of alcohol in Poland increasingly burning. Will the government decide to take extremist steps specified as ban beer advertising? Will the brewing manufacture comply with the fresh requirements? 1 thing is certain – The conflict for alcohol continues at its best, and its consequence can change the marketplace and habits of Poles.
Read more:
Beer is alcohol? Poles have doubts! fresh investigation and controversy around beer ads
