(de-news.net) – Dr. Christos Pantazis, health policy spokesperson for the SPD, has formally proposed an increase in the legal drinking age from 16 to 18 years. He emphasized that such regulatory changes must be embedded within a broader, empirically grounded prevention strategy, particularly one centered on educational initiatives. His rationale is grounded in public health concerns regarding the physiological and developmental risks associated with underage alcohol consumption.

In contrast, Diana Borchardt, health policy spokesperson for the CDU, responded with measured caution. While acknowledging the theoretical appeal of a comprehensive prohibition, Borchardt stressed the need for careful consideration concerning its practical implementation. She reiterated that robust enforcement mechanisms and strategies to reduce youth alcohol consumption remain of paramount importance.

Meanwhile, the German brewing industry is experiencing significant economic strain. According to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), beer sales declined by 6.3% during the first half of 2025, totaling 3.9 billion liters—the lowest recorded volume since 1993. These figures exclude imports from non-EU countries and non-alcoholic beer. The German Brewers Association attributes this downturn to demographic shifts and persistent consumer reluctance linked to macroeconomic uncertainties. With over 1,500 breweries operating under mounting cost pressures, a sector-wide financial recovery in 2025 appears unlikely. Both export volumes and domestic distribution have contracted, by 7.1% and 6.1% respectively, with domestic consumption accounting for 81.9% of total production.

On an optimistic note, sales of beer-based beverages mixed with soft drinks have increased by 8%, despite comprising only 5.6% of total beer consumption. Alcohol-free beer is also experiencing significant growth. In 2024, Germany produced 579 million liters of non-alcoholic beer, nearly double the volume compared to a decade earlier. Consumer acceptance of alcohol-free alternatives has risen markedly, outpacing the comparatively modest 9.3% growth in beer-based mixed beverages such as Radler within the same period.