Germany to raise alcohol taxes, majority of public supports plan

Germany alcohol tax spirits public opinion revenue

The German government intends to increase the excise tax on spirits such as vodka, rum and grain by 20% starting in January 2027, with a further rise planned through 2029. The Federal Ministry of Finance projects the change will generate roughly €455 million in additional annual revenue and cites health‑policy goals endorsed by a government expert commission.

A public opinion poll commissioned by the Kaufmännische Krankenkasse and conducted by the market research firm Forsa found that about two‑thirds of respondents consider the tax increase sensible, while one‑third view it as unnecessary. Nevertheless, two‑thirds of those surveyed doubt the measure will curb alcohol consumption, with many expecting consumers to shift to exempt products such as beer and wine or to purchase abroad.

Critics, including SPD Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, argue that the higher taxes on alcohol, tobacco and a proposed sugar levy could mainly profit organized crime groups rather than fill the federal budget, labeling the plan a “stimulus programme for criminals.”

Entities

Federal Ministry of Finance · Forsa · German Federal Ministry of Finance · German consumers · German government · German public · Germany · Lars Klingbeil · organised crime groups

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 7 SOURCES] The German government plans to raise the excise tax on spirits such as vodka, rum and grain by 20% starting January 2027. www.aend.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.merkur.de · www.tz.de · taz.de · +2 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Many respondents expect consumers to shift drinking to beer and wine, which are exempt, or to purchase alcohol abroad. www.aend.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.merkur.de · www.tz.de · taz.de · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Federal Ministry of Finance says the tax also aims at health objectives, with an expert commission recommending staggered increases through 2029. jungefreiheit.de
[○ 1 SOURCE] Critics, including SPD Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, argue the tax increases could mainly profit organized crime groups. jungefreiheit.de
[● 7 SOURCES] The tax increase is expected to generate about €455 million in additional annual revenue. www.aend.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.merkur.de · www.tz.de · taz.de · +2 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Two‑thirds of surveyed Germans doubt the tax will reduce alcohol consumption; only about 29% think it will. www.aend.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.merkur.de · www.tz.de · taz.de · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] A Forsa poll for the Kaufmännische Krankenkasse found that roughly two‑thirds of Germans consider the measure sensible. www.aend.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.merkur.de · www.tz.de · taz.de · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Approximately one‑third of respondents consider the tax increase not sensible. www.aend.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.merkur.de · www.tz.de · taz.de · +1 more