Germany | Hemp drinks have been around Germany for a while now. But Oettinger brewery, renowned for its economy labels, is the first major brewer to launch a hemp beer mix. Called Hanfkiss (Hemp Kiss), it is a 2.5 percent ABV shandy, infused with green tea, herbs and hemp extracts.

Belgium | AB-InBev has won a multi-million dollar case against the Special Tax Inspectorate (BBI), media reported on 22 June 2019.  

Austria | As of 1 November 2019, smoking in Austrian pubs and restaurants will be prohibited. The long-running issue, in a country among the last in Europe to hold out against a smoking ban, had initially appeared to be resolved with the implementation of the ban on 1 May 2018.

Scotland | After the introduction of price controls in 2018, alcohol consumption has dropped 3 percent. Scotland’s health secretary, Jeane Freeman, welcomed the figures released in June 2019.

United Kingdom | You would not have thought that Scotland needs more punters on its whisky trail. Over 2 million tourists stopped by her 68 Scotch whisky visitor centres in 2018. But Kentucky is catching up fast and so is Ireland.

Ireland | In the former Guinness Power Station at St James’s Gate, Diageo has opened its new, USD 28 million “urban distillery” Roe & Co in June 2019. The plant will distil 14,000 litres of whiskey in every run, with an annual maximum capacity of approximately 500,000 litres of alcohol.

Italy | The gin revival washes ashore in Italy. Known for its wines and grappe, it has become quietly known for its gins. There are now more than 30 Italian gin brands which are considered a must-try.

Belgium – A spectre is haunting the European brewing industry. Called the Irish Public Health Bill, it will have an impact on the EU as a whole, one way or another. There is justified concern that it could push alcohol to the margins of respectability, so that it is treated in the same way as tobacco.

Belgium - The Brewers of Europe, a trade body, wants ingredients and energy values to appear on the labels of all beer bottles and cans in the EU by 2022. The association will sign a “memorandum of understanding” (MoU) with the European Commission in September to formalise the brewers’ commitment.

Belgium – Last year, exports of Belgian beer to the US, its third most important market, declined 12 percent. Exports to the UK were down 33 percent. Will Belgian brewers need to worry that competition from local craft brewers will eat into a profitable part of their business?