The Polish Parliament (Sejm) is currently debating amendments to the Act on Upbringing in Sobriety, sparking intense concern across the brewing sector. Representatives from breweries, trade unions, and agricultural suppliers recently voiced their fears during a session of the Parliamentary Group for Simple Taxes, warning that proposed regulations—specifically a total ban on beer advertising—could devastate an already shrinking market.
A threat to jobs and local identity
Lawmakers within the group emphasize the need for common-sense intervention to prevent further brewery closures and mass layoffs. Janusz Kowalski, Chairman of the Simple Taxes Group and MP for Law and Justice (PiS), highlighted the gravity of the situation. He said they hosted the brewing industry along with hop producers, the gastronomic sector, and other suppliers who oppose regulations and taxes that threaten jobs and Polish industry. He also said that some draft bills would effectively liquidate the entire non-alcoholic beer sector.
According to the proposed changes, the sale of alcoholic beverages involving discounts, loyalty programs, or prizes would be classified as a form of promotion and thus prohibited. Kowalski warned that this could lead to the disappearance of beer gardens from Polish cities and the end of sports sponsorships by breweries, disproportionately affecting small local communities.
The “zero” percent dilemma
A particularly controversial aspect of the bill is the potential ban on advertising non-alcoholic beers. One proposal prohibits the sale of food products whose name, trademark, or packaging resembles an alcoholic beverage. This could eliminate the “zero-alcohol” segment—the only part of the market currently seeing growth.
Kowalski added that common sense is needed and that lawmakers should listen to the voices of Polish farmers and the owners of over 300 small craft and regional breweries that build the identity of local municipalities.
Economic impact and shrinking consumption
The brewing industry is a significant pillar of the Polish economy. According to a 2025 report by CASE (Center for Social and Economic Analysis), it generated PLN 20.54 billion in value added (0.56% of GDP) and supports approximately 85,000 jobs directly and indirectly. Poland has 337 breweries, including around 250 craft or restaurant-based operations.
Despite its economic weight, the market is in a clear downturn. Data from the National Centre for Prevention of Addictions indicates a steady decline in beer consumption per capita from 100.5 liters in 2018 to an estimated 80.4 liters in 2025. Production volume has also dropped by 13% between 2019 and 2024, from 39.7 to 34.6 million hectoliters.
The toll on agriculture and workers
The crisis is affecting the entire supply chain. Andrzej Biegun of the NSZZ “Solidarność” trade union noted that the Żywiec Group has already closed two breweries, with more at risk, increasing anxiety among employees about job security.
Farmers are also vulnerable. Mariusz Śmich, Chairman of the Association of Polish Hop Growers, warned that further bans will reduce demand for Polish hops. He fears that if domestic production becomes too difficult, foreign corporations will fill the gap using crops from other countries. Currently, 56% of hops used in Poland are imported, and the number of Polish hop growers has halved over the last 20 years.
Conclusion: a call for protection
The industry has faced a “perfect storm” of challenges, including the sugar tax and the upcoming deposit-refund system. While a presidential veto prevented a change in excise duty, the threat of closures remains, including for historic sites such as the Namysłów Brewery. Lawmakers and industry leaders argue that protecting the brewing sector is not only about business, but also about safeguarding Polish agriculture and export strength.
