Further Developments in Germany…

<editor's note>
New recycling law causes a beer price war in Germany. This in turn causes a 
shortage of beer. Will German beer lovers accept this situation? 
</editor's note>

GERMANY FACES BEER SHORTAGES
German beer drinkers have begun to feel the effects of new government 
regulations restricting deposits of disposable cans and bottles, 
imposing charges on non-reusable containers. Officials say the 
percentage of recycled cans and bottles has fallen below a 72% minimum 
target set in 1997. Retailers reacted by cutting back on some 
containers. "We may not have enough beer available to meet the demand 
in January," Jan Holzweissig, spokesman for the German retailers' 
association. "A lot of stores are planning to remove beer and other 
drinks in disposable containers off their shelves next month because of 
the new rules." Government rules call for a deposit of 25 cents for 
small non-refillable cans and bottles, and 50 cents for larger 
containers. Deposits are refunded when the bottles and cans are 
returned. The measure had a surprising effect in December - cheap beer. 
Beer was selling for as little as five cents a can as shops tried to 
clear stocks. "Beer price war!" wrote Berlin's B.Z. tabloid. 
"Discounters are chucking out everything they've got. At this rate beer 
will be given away for free by Christmas."

Back to February 2003 front page