The Union of Brewing Industry Employers in Poland “Browary Polskie” has voiced strong opposition to parliamentary proposals to amend the Act on Upbringing in Sobriety and Counteracting Alcoholism, submitted by the Left and Polska 2050 parliamentary clubs. The organization described the proposals as “overregulation,” warning that they could primarily harm beer and non-alcoholic beer producers while benefiting the spirits industry.
Concerns About the Proposals
According to the Union, the draft amendments ignore consumption trends and the growing importance of non-alcoholic beer, which plays a role in reducing overall alcohol consumption. The industry pointed out that instead of focusing on restrictions for so-called “małpki” (small bottles of spirits), the proposals target non-alcoholic beer, despite its rapid growth as a healthier alternative.
The Union highlighted that Polska 2050’s proposal defines “non-alcoholic beverage” so broadly that it would also include juices, kefir, and food products containing traces of alcohol. The organization argued this approach was excessive and reflected the narrative of the spirits lobby.
Declining Beer Consumption
Data cited by the Union shows that since 2019, alcohol consumption in Poland has decreased by one liter of pure ethanol per capita, with 60% of the decline attributed to beer. Beer sales have fallen by 15% since 2019, with an additional 7% drop recorded in the first nine months of 2025. At the same time, average beer prices have risen by 45% compared to 2019.
Advertising and Sales Restrictions
The proposals also include a ban on beer advertising and changes to sales rules. The Left’s draft calls for limiting beer sales in self-service stores and banning nighttime sales, while simultaneously allowing online alcohol sales. According to the Union, such measures could in practice make strong alcohol more accessible during the night.
The organization stressed that Poland already has some of the strictest advertising rules in Europe and that declining beer consumption proves advertising does not increase overall consumption but instead fosters market competition and the development of non-alcoholic options.
Economic Impact
The Union also underscored the economic consequences of the proposed restrictions. The brewing sector contributes over PLN 20 billion in added value, PLN 18 billion in taxes, and approximately 85,000 jobs across breweries and related sectors such as agriculture, trade, and transport. Polish beer exports exceed PLN 1 billion annually.
The organization warned that further restrictions could accelerate production declines, brewery closures, and job losses.
Summary
The Union of Brewing Industry Employers opposes the amendments, arguing that they will not effectively address alcoholism while potentially increasing the market share of strong spirits. The organization called for evidence-based, proportionate measures and emphasized that non-alcoholic beers should be seen as a tool to help reduce alcohol consumption.
Source: ceo.com.pl
