Trade in spirits

Article 39 of the Alcohol Act (AlkG; SR 680) stipulates that the term “trade” always applies when spirits are sold, brokered or otherwise supplied for drinking purposes.

According to Art. 41a AlkG, the cantons are responsible for all questions relating to the implementing provisions in connection with the retail trade in spirits. A list of the competent cantonal authorities can be found under ‘Further information’.

Under Article 43 AlkG, the FOIA is responsible for promoting coordination and the exchange of information between the federal government and the cantons in relation to the retail sale of spirits. The aim is to ensure that the provisions of alcohol law are enforced as uniformly as possible.

Further information

• Competent authorities

  The document is available in German, French and Italian.

  • Liste der Amtsstellen, die für den Vollzug und die Koordination der im Alkoholgesetz enthaltenen Kleinhandelsbestimmungen zuständig sind

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