Rising alcohol tourism from the Netherlands

Minimum age for alcohol tax increases: increases alcohol tourism?

27/12/2013

In the Netherlands, with the new year, the minimum age for alcohol is 18 years. In Germany, the age limit remains at 16 years. According to experts, this could lead to a rise in alcohol tourism.

Problem of drug tourism could reverse
So far, a drug tourism in the German-Dutch border region was rather known that Germans across the border were interested in the consumption of hashish and marijuana. In the near future, however, the problem may well reverse and the situation is approaching that Dutch adolescents are increasingly coming to Germany to indulge in alcohol consumption, since in the Netherlands, from January 1, 2014, the minimum age for alcohol is 18.

New regulation from 1 January
The new regulation will also affect drinks such as beer and wine, which were previously bought and consumed by young people from 16 years. In Germany, it remains at the age limit of 16 years. Therefore, discos and restaurants on this side of the border, especially in the border region, could become particularly attractive for young Dutch people who enjoy a good time. The working group „public safety and order“ the Euregio (German-Dutch municipal association) therefore estimates that the new law could lead to alcohol tourism.

Problems preprogrammed
As a result, problems were inevitable for the German border communes. This is not because they are Dutch teenagers, but rather because it increases the overall number of alcohol-using young people in the region and could potentially overpower them.

Observe development for several months
In the south of the Netherlands, enterprising entrepreneurs have already announced that they want to transport drink-happy young compatriots on weekends to the neighboring beer country of Belgium. Even along the Dutch-German border, such a concept could prove profitable. The Euregio still does not want to assume the worst. First of all, the development is to be monitored for a few months and then, if necessary, a meeting of experts in the border communes is organized.

Disco Shuttle buses
The feared problem is similar to that of the beginning of the year. After the tax on beer had risen in the Netherlands on January 1, 2013, more and more Dutch people made their way to beer shopping in Germany. The increase led to the fact that business people on weekends downright disco shuttle buses in their program with recordings. (Ad)