Left-wing and Green politicians in Germany are calling for higher prices on alcoholic beverages in order to curb alcohol consumption. “It is unacceptable that binge drinking can be done for under six euros, anywhere and anytime” said Ates Gürpinar, the drug policy expert for the Left party, to the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” (Thursday editions). “Therefore, we demand minimum prices and a better enforcement of youth protection in supermarkets and gas stations” he said. Additionally, he advocates for a ban on advertising and sponsorship of alcoholic products, alcohol-free zones in city centers and restrictions on availability.
Similarly, the health policy spokesperson for the Greens, Janosch Dahmen, expressed his views: “We need stronger measures on advertising, availability and yes – also pricing.” Alcohol should not be as easily accessible as “sweets at the supermarket checkout or tobacco” Dahmen stated.
In addition to increasing the prices of alcoholic beverages, the Green politician’s demand includes expanding support services and simplifying access to treatment.