The trade asks for the modification of the beer law

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.