According to the Ministry of Agriculture and agrarian Development, as of 30 January 2025 fresh regulations on the commercial quality of packages of certain spirit drinks began to apply. In practice, this means prohibiting the placing on the marketplace of spirit drinks in pouch-type packages, or popular alcotubs. The fresh regulations besides specify requirements concerning the minimum capacity and kind of packaging of spirits sold in Poland.
According to the fresh regulations, spirits of up to 200 ml can only be sold in bottles or cans. The Ministry introduced a 30-day transitional period that allows the sale of alkotubek by 28 February 2025. In this way, it took into account in its decisions the suggestions of traders who paid attention to the costs associated with the production of goods placed on the marketplace before the fresh rules entered into force.
A threat to the children?
The Ministry of Agriculture and agrarian improvement points out that the fresh government aims to prevent consumers from being confused by alcohol packages that look like foods intended for children (e.g. popular fruit musses).
The Ministry ensured that the fresh provisions of the Regulation were approved by the European Commission and, after 3 months of waiting for notification, enter into force despite the appeal proceedings announced by producers. It is besides worth adding that EU rules let protective packaging to be utilized for spirit drinks, but do not specify the circumstantial kind of packaging.
Alcotubic Tusk
At the turn of September and October, the media reported the emergence of alcoholic beverages on the marketplace in soft packages resembling muses, namely alcotubes. Prime Minister Donald Tusk then announced that action should be taken to blocking alcohol-related sachets.
This awakens legitimate emotions. This case may concern the safety and wellness of our children – emphasized the head of government.
The Prime Minister announced that the Ministry of Agriculture and agrarian improvement would immediately prepare a regulation and introduce solutions to prevent akin cases in the future.
There is no area for negotiation – this kind of threat must disappear. And those who have allowed this to happen can surely anticipate consequences – announced Donald Tusk.
