Swiss perspectives in 10 languages

New limitations to alcohol sales proposed

Alcoholic beverages will not be taxed more in Switzerland, but new restrictions on sales will be implemented under new legislation put forward by the cabinet.

The government has dropped an earlier idea to push up prices to help lower consumption, citing potential legal difficulties and stating that it now considers the measure disproportionate.

Retail sales would be banned between 10pm and 6am, while bars would no longer be allowed to have so-called “happy hours” or offer unlimited drinks during that time.

The nighttime ban aims to protect young drinkers from alcohol abuse. Bars and restaurants will also have to offer three non-alcoholic drinks at lower prices than the cheapest alcoholic one on sale.

The legal drinking age in Switzerland is 16 for beer and wine and 18 for spirits.

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR