Switzerland: Free beer promotions in bars, restaurants and at public events may be prohibited soon

Free beer will reportedly be prohibited soon in Switzerland, if the government has its way, Fox News reported on April, 11.

According to Swiss weekly Sonntag, the Cabinet has drafted a plan to ban restaurateurs from offering any free drinks to customers.

It cited the director of the Swiss Alcohol Board on Sunday as saying an existing ban on promotions involving other alcoholic beverages would be extended to include beer.

Alexandre Schmidt says publicans would still be allowed to offer "spontaneous" rounds to regulars.

The proposal has drawn strong opposition from the hospitality industry as free beer promotions are common in bars, restaurants and at public events in Switzerland.

13 April, 2011