Prevention and youth protection
The Alcohol Division (ALKO) of the Federal Customs and Border Security Office (FOCBS) is responsible for collecting spirits tax and monitoring the production and advertising of spirits, thereby fulfilling part of what is known as structural prevention. ALKO also monitors compliance with alcohol legislation and imposes penalties for violations.
The remaining areas of alcohol prevention (in particular behavioural prevention and test purchases) fall within the remit of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). Further information can be found on the FOPH website at the following address: Alcohol and under the contact alkohol@bag.admin.ch.
Alcohol tenth
In accordance with Article 131 paragraph 3 of the Constitution, one-tenth of the net revenue from the tax on spirits is paid to the cantons. This allocation is used to combat the causes and effects of the abuse of addictive substances in accordance with Article 45 paragraph 2 of the Alcohol Act.
General information - instruments of prevention
Sales or service staff in retail, hospitality or events are in direct contact with customers on a daily basis. They are on the front line when it comes to selling alcohol to young people and therefore bear the greatest responsibility for prevention. They have to decide who they can and cannot sell alcohol to.
Contact Alcohol Sector
Route de la Mandchourie 25
2800 Delémont