Migros wants to break the taboo: In the future, alcohol will also be sold in its shops. The delegates of the Migros Cooperative gave the go-ahead for this step on Saturday.
The basic decision does not go down well everywhere. EPP President and National Councilor Lilian Studer (43) warns of the consequences: “For people with alcohol problems, the preliminary decision to lift the alcohol ban is fatal.” Until recently, the politician was the managing director of the Aargau / Lucerne Blue Cross. The non-profit organization, which works for addicts, was also disappointed in a communiqué and expressed concern about the decision of the Migros delegates.
No longer a place to shop carelessly
Like Studer, the Blue Cross is not just about the principle. Today, Migros is a place where people with alcohol problems can shop carefree, says Studer. “You are less exposed to temptation.” This is enormously helpful for those affected. If the sales ban falls, shopping becomes much more difficult for those affected.
And there are many of them: The Federal Office of Public Health estimates that 250,000 to 300,000 people in Switzerland are dependent on alcohol. Around every third person in Switzerland has at least one person with alcohol problems in their environment.
The regions decide
Studer finds Migros’ decision all the more incomprehensible as the fact that the Migros subsidiary Denner and the Migrolino petrol station shops already have alcohol on the shelves today. The Migros online shop also sells alcohol. “Why do you have to do that in the Migros branches?”
The EPP President hopes that the regional cooperatives will for their part resist the temptation and continue to forego the sale of wine, beer and spirits. Because with the decision of the Migros delegates, the ball is now up to them. You can, but do not have to, lift the alcohol ban in the shops in your region. If the cooperatives speak out in favor of it, a strike vote will take place. The members of the cooperative have the final word – 2.2 million across Switzerland.
Reference to Migros founder Dutti
The Blue Cross is a reminder of the words of Migros founder Gottlieb Duttweiler that companies should not only focus on profit, but should “serve for the good”.
“Duttweiler’s message is up-to-date and exemplary, and not just in relation to alcohol,” said the President of the Blue Cross, Philipp Hadorn, in the message. “Now the Migros cooperatives are the last protective wall against a misunderstood liberalization of business practices at Migros.” (lha)