Trade restrictions

Article 41(1) of the Alcohol Act (AlkG; SR 680) sets out the restrictions on the retail sale of spirits. In summary, these restrictions concern the sale of alcohol in certain places, the sale of alcohol at reduced prices or free of charge, and the sale of alcohol to children and young people.

Sale and serving to young people

In Switzerland, the law prohibits the sale or free distribution of

• Beer, wine and cider (fermented beverages) to persons under the age of 16 (Article 14(1) of the Federal Law on Foodstuffs and Utility Articles / LMG; SR 817.0)
• Spirits (distilled spirits or mixed drinks containing such spirits) to persons under the age of 18

Cantons and sales outlets may also apply stricter rules – for example, in Ticino and in some department stores, no alcoholic beverages are sold to persons under the age of 18.

If there is any doubt about the age of young customers, official identification (passport, identity card or driving licence) must be requested in order to determine their exact age.