The trade asks for the modification of the beer law

By: Trademagazin editor Date: 2023. 05. 03. 10:50

The Guild of Hungarian Restaurateurs (MVI) has recently sent the recommendations of the trade to Péter Horváth, CEO of the Hungarian Tourism Agency (MTÜ), concerning the practical effects of the so-called beer law. MVI’s recommendations are based on the recent report by the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) about the topic.

This article is available for reading in Trade magazin 2023/5

According to the law, bars and restaurants selling alcoholic drinks must stock the products of minimum two manufacturers in each category. Equipment, various accessories and direct financial support provided by the major drink companies mean great help for Hungarian bars. The HoReCa segment depends very much on such help from alcoholic beverage manufacturers, because they generate direct profit for bar and restaurant owners, as they produce lower consumer prices and also because they increase the number of choices for guests, since more bars can open in Hungary thanks to this support from drink companies.

Consumers are basically satisfied with the selection of drinks they can choose from in HoReCa units, and the majority of guests order the products made by the big companies. HoReCa units react to the actual consumer needs, thus it wouldn’t be rationalistic behaviour on their side to establish new business relations in every alcoholic drink category, as it could lead to increased operating costs for them. Based on the finding of the audit, GVH says Hungarian bars and restaurants shouldn’t be obliged to stock the products of minimum two companies in every beverage category, especially in the present, very difficult economic situation.