Brussels Drops Plan to Scrap Traditional Beer Strength Labels

A proposed revision of the European Alcohol Excise Duty Directive raised fears that the traditional labelling of beer by strength could be abolished. Reports had suggested that beer might in future be labelled and taxed according to alcohol content alone, with changes potentially taking effect from 2031, Echo24 reports. Czech brewers and experts warned that such a move would amount to a crackdown on domestic beer culture and a long-established production system.

Michal Voldrich, president of the Czech-Moravian Association of Microbreweries, said switching to a system based solely on alcohol content would be particularly problematic for small breweries, which would face investment in more expensive measuring technology.

Economists also raised concerns about the possible financial consequences. According to economist Tomas Maier, the new system could push up beer prices and incentivize producers to brew weaker beers in order to fall into more favorable tax brackets.

Both the Czech Beer and Malt Association and the European Commission ultimately rejected the speculation. The Commission confirmed that member states may continue to use a tiered system.

(mja)