Beer deposit in Passau: Austrian beer is now becoming significantly more expensive!

The latest developments around the deposit for beer bottles in Passau and the neighboring district of Rottal-Inn caused excitement. From now on, Austrian customers pay the same deposit amounts as in Austria themselves when buying beer. According to the “Passauer Neue Presse”, the deposit increases from a little over three euros to up to seven euros per box. The background is the so -called deposit tourism, in which many Austrians used the cheaper deposit in Germany in order to then return their beer boxes in Austria and thus receive more deposit. This step of the beverage markets is now to be countered by this trend.

The new deposit regulations, as the “Passauer Neue Presse” report, were decided in coordination with the markets in the Innviertel. While the deposit amount for Austrian beer is changing, the deposit for German beer remains unchanged. This focuses a little closer to the border between the two countries, especially for consumers. Another important aspect in this context is the packaging law that regulates the withdrawal of deposit bottles. Dealers are not obliged to take back any bottle that they do not sell themselves. The following applies to disposable bottles: they only have to be withdrawn if the dealer also leads them in the range. In the case of reusable bottles, on the other hand, the brand counts, so that only bottles are accepted that the dealer sells.

Important information on the return of the pledge

It is crucial for consumers that different regulations apply to disposable bottles and reusable bottles. Sales offices must withdraw disposable bottles of PET or glass if you have them in the range, while the brand is crucial for reusable bottles. These provisions ensure that the return of the bottles is made easier and the environment is relieved by unnecessary garbage. However, it should be noted that dealers with a sales area of less than 200 square meters only have to accept the bottles that they also sold themselves. This regulation is intended to make it easier for retailers to take back and at the same time strengthen consumer protection.