Consumer alcohol policies in Switzerland

A case study of Migros supermarket group

Bibliographic Data

ID14908006
AuthorsAlexander Smith (0000-0002-9966-8726, University of Bern, corresponding author), Michael Liebrenz (0000-0001-8040-2744, University of Bern)
Year2022
Volume110
Pages103880
Publication date2022-12-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Drug Policy (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0955-3959 • E-ISSN: 1873-4758
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103880
PMID36228561
OpenAlexW4304112098
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited6

In June 2022, the Migros supermarket group in Switzerland declared the results of its referendum on the prospect of selling alcohol. Nationwide, individual members of the Federation of Regional Cooperatives that own the store had voted "No" to alcohol sales, thus continuing a philosophy that was implemented with its founding in the 1920s. As one of the biggest supermarket and convenience store chains in Switzerland, Migros is atypical in Western Europe for its alcohol-free consumer stance. However, this is complicated by the company selling alcohol in several of its retail subsidiaries and its stocking of alcohol-free beverages in own-brand shops. As such, Migros offers a distinctive and underexamined case study for wider drug policies and principles of prevention and harm reduction. This is especially notable within the framework of Switzerland's well-documented "four pillar" approach to substance use. Accordingly, in this article, we discuss the context of Migros' decision, issues raised by the referendum, and the significance of this consumer policy within Swiss society

Advertising · Alcohol industry · Business · Context (archaeology · Geography · Harm · Multinational corporation · Political science · Referendum · Subsidiary · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · Law · Opioid Use Disorder Treatment · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes · Marketing

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access