Alkoholhandel

Alkoholhandel, or the alcohol trade, describes the system of producing, distributing, and selling beverages containing ethanol for human consumption. It covers the full supply chain from producers such as breweries, wineries, and distilleries to wholesalers, importers, and retailers, including online platforms, and the various channels through which alcohol reaches consumers. Retail formats include on-premise venues like bars and restaurants and off-premise outlets such as supermarkets and liquor stores, as well as e-commerce.

Regulatory frameworks govern licensing, age verification, labeling, advertising, and safety standards, while taxation through excise duties and value-added tax influences prices and availability. Market organization varies by jurisdiction: some countries maintain state-controlled distributors or monopolies; others rely on private retailers operated under licensing regimes. The European Union permits cross-border trade within its internal market but allows member states to impose restrictions for public health and consumer protection.

Historically, the alcohol trade has been shaped by public health concerns and moral debates; prohibition in parts of the 20th century disrupted markets and led to lasting regulatory changes in some countries. In contemporary policy, debates often focus on pricing mechanisms such as minimum unit pricing, taxation levels, age restrictions, advertising limitations, and measures to combat illicit trade and underage drinking. The evolution of the alcohol trade continues to balance economic interests of producers and retailers with public health and consumer protection goals, as technology expands distribution while regulators adjust controls to manage risk.