Gulping Down Booze in Germany - Are We Overindulging? A Look at Erfurt's Perspective
Is Germany's Alcohol Consumption on the Rise and Cause for Concern?
Welcome Back to Thüringen Journal!
Today, we delve into the heart of the debate - alcohol consumption in Germany and the calls for a hike in alcohol taxes. But, what's the buzz in Erfurt about this tax proposal? Let's find out!
June 28, 2025 | 19:00hr - 20:28 min
Broadcast Details
Access the Video Here
According to the Federal Drug Commissioner, it's high time we reconsider our alcohol habit. Addiction researchers advocate for escalating the tax on alcohol. But, what's the response in Erfurt to this suggestion? Let's discover!
Recent reports underscore that Germany takes the lead in a unique way among EU countries, not because it’s a model of health and wellness, but due to its affordability in terms of drinking, smoking, and vaping[2]. German taxes on beer, spirits, and cigarettes are significantly lower than those in many other EU countries[3]. For instance, the current alcohol tax rates: €13 per liter of pure alcohol for spirits and a meager beer tax of €0.03 per liter of 5% beer[3].
On the federal front, the tax revenue trends in 2025 indicate an upward curve overall, with areas like VAT recording significant growth[1][4]. However, we couldn't find specific sources detailing excise tax changes or proposals related to our query. The existence of a formal proposal for raising the alcohol tax or Erfurt's response to it remains elusive.
Without localized statements from Erfurt's public officials, citizens, or media, a clear-cut assessment of Erfurt's stance on this tax proposal is difficult to draw. Further investigation, potentially involving local reports from Erfurt, may be necessary to substantiate our understanding of the issue.
Stay tuned for more insights from Thüringen Journal!
[1]: Federal Statistics Office (Destatis) - Tax Revenue [WEBSITE LINK][2]: Report: Germany is the Best Country to Drink, Smoke, Vape, and Eat in the EU [WEBSITE LINK][3]: Comparative Alcohol Tax Rates [WEBSITE LINK][4]: Government of Germany (Finance Ministry) - Tax Revenue Reports [WEBSITE LINK]
- In light of the call to increase alcohol taxes in Germany, it would be interesting to explore how the science of nutrition and health-and-wellness perspectives in Erfurt might be affected.
- As Erfurt grapples with potential alcohol tax hikes, it's worth examining how this could impact the city's overall approach to health and wellness, particularly in terms of nutrition.
