The Marburg Medical Association (Marburger Bund) advocates for considerably stricter regulations regarding access to alcohol. According to a resolution from the 147th general meeting of the doctors’ association in Hanover, the sale of high-proof alcoholic beverages should be restricted exclusively to licensed, specialized retailers, often referred to as “alcohol shops”. Consequently, the association argues that supermarkets, gas stations, and corner shops should no longer be permitted to offer high-proof alcohol.
The organization highlights alcohol consumption as one of Germany’s most significant avoidable health risks, emphasizing the critical need to better protect younger people. They point out that early established consumption patterns demonstrably increase the risk of future dependency disorders, as well as various health and social consequences.
Furthermore, the Marburger Bund supports the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs’ legislative plans to abolish “supervised drinking” for adolescents aged 14 and older. This initiative aims to eliminate an existing exception that currently permits the purchase and consumption of beer, wine, and sparkling wine by 14- or 15-year-olds when accompanied by a responsible person. Delegates stressed that international experiences have proven that raising the minimum legal drinking age and implementing stricter sales regulations can significantly lower alcohol consumption and effectively safeguard young people.
