Following the new alcohol discount laws introduced by the Dutch government two years ago, the average cost of a discounted crate of beer in 2023 has been 35 percent higher than at the beginning of 2021, NU reports. 

Dutch laws significantly reduce discounts offered on alcohol

In July 2021, the Dutch government implemented a new law which capped discounts on alcohol at 25 percent, bringing an end to the chance for supermarkets and shops to offer buy-one-get-one-free discounts on alcoholic beverages. The new law was designed to limit alcohol consumption across the Netherlands, specifically among young people. 

Now, almost two years after the law was introduced, a study conducted by market researcher Circana on behalf of NU has revealed the impact of the discount rules on alcohol prices. According to NU, the average cost of a discounted crate of beer in early 2023 was 14,22 euros - a 35 percent increase compared to the 10,52 euro average recorded in early 2021.

Beer prices in the Netherlands rise by an average of 4 percent

This hike in prices is significantly higher than the increases seen in overall beer prices. According to Circana’s Sjanny van Beekveld, “the same crate became just over 4 percent more expensive when it was not on offer.” 

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