From 2023 Migros branches can sell alcohol

Migros branches may sell alcohol soon: The House of Delegates voted in favor of a similar amendment to the laws. Next is the regional cooperatives.

By 85 to 22 votes, delegates from the Federation of Migros Cooperatives (MGB) passed an amendment to the laws: this creates the basic requirements for regional cooperatives to be able to decide on the sale of alcohol in Migros branches, as announced by the MGB.

However, it will take some time before alcohol can be purchased at Migros branches – and there may be differences depending on the region.

From December, the administrative and cooperative councils of the 10 Migros regional cooperatives will decide to lift the ban. There, too, at least two-thirds of the committees involved must agree. If this is the case, co-op members can decide on a ballot in their area to lift the ban on the sale of alcohol.

The poll is scheduled until June 4, 2022, Migros announced on its website. Decisions will be binding on Migros. In those outlets whose cooperatives spoke in favor of selling alcohol by a two-thirds majority, alcoholic beverages may therefore be served during the following year.

Affiliates already sell alcohol

It remains to be seen whether the 2.2 million members of the cooperative will eventually vote in favor of lifting the ban. The Blue Cross had already warned of Migros’ DNA “betrayal” in the run-up to the delegates’ meeting. The company risked losing its reputation as a socially responsible wholesaler.

For Migros herself, PDA shows that she is a “responsible company in this area as well” and is geared toward the needs of 2.2 million cooperative members and consumers, she said.

Up to CHF 2 billion in sales

To date, the sale of alcohol in stationary branches has been prohibited in accordance with the laws of Migros. The group itself has been indirectly circumventing this regulation for years by offering alcohol and, in some cases, tobacco products at its Denner and Migrolino subsidiaries, its online store leshop.ch, Migrol gas stations and VOI partner stores.

As early as 1999, the Association of Delegates decided that alcoholic beverages could be served in golf club restaurants and recreational facilities in the cooperative.

The sale of alcohol will certainly be profitable for the group: former CFO Mario Bonorand, for example, predicted an increase in sales of 1.5 to 2 billion francs if the alcohol ban was lifted.