Hamburg launches initiative for alcohol-free checkouts in supermarkets!

Hamburg launches initiative for alcohol-free checkouts in supermarkets!

In Hamburg, a significant step is imminent in the discussion about alcohol consumption in retail. On January 15, 2026, the Hamburg-Nord district assembly will vote on a motion from the Left and Volt that targets the sale of mini alcohol bottles at supermarket checkouts. Hamburg politicians are not only calling for a rethink in retail, but also for active addiction prevention for the population. According to a report by t online In 2022, around 40,000 people in Hamburg needed to be treated for addictions.

The placement of alcohol at checkouts is seen as a potential trigger for people who are at risk of, or already are, addicted. In Germany, more than one in ten adults consumed risky amounts of alcohol in 2024, further illustrating the need for such an application. Jörg Bormann, the district representative for Volt, emphasizes the positive effect that alcohol-free cash registers can have on people with addiction problems. Wiebke Fuchs from the Left emphasizes that everyday situations are crucial in removing taboos from the topic of addiction.

What is behind alcohol-free cash registers?

The idea behind alcohol-free checkouts is simple: a clearly marked checkout zone in the supermarket that does not offer any alcoholic drinks. This development is intended to have two main objectives: to increase youth protection and to support people with alcohol problems by reducing the constant visibility of alcohol. According to the #alcoholfreebank initiative, which was launched by sobriety advocates Elli and Janna, this measure promotes social health by completely eliminating alcohol at checkouts.

The models discussed so far range from completely alcohol-free cash registers, which offer the highest level of protection, to flexible solutions such as self-service cash registers. While a clear separation promises the best protection, it also imposes certain restrictions on supermarkets. However, fears of possible loss of sales due to fewer impulse purchases or the possibility that young people will find other ways to buy alcohol often stand in the way of progress, as noted in an article by Neelix is described.

Shared responsibility for society

The planned application does not provide for sales bans, but relies on voluntary self-regulation by retailers. The aim is an information campaign that raises awareness in supermarkets about alcohol-free checkouts. Close cooperation with addiction counseling centers and self-help groups is also planned in order to better inform the public about addiction prevention and to highlight existing offers. It is important to create a new normal and change the view of alcohol in everyday situations.

When asked whether alcohol-free cash registers are the right solution, the debate is lively. While concerns about economics and impulse buying remain, the desire for effective addiction prevention and protection of those at risk is unmistakable. Today's step could have far-reaching consequences for Hamburg's retail landscape.