The sale of alcohol is highly regulated

The sale of alcohol is highly regulated

"What are the rules for selling alcoholic beverages in restaurants?

Your question is very general, so this answer will necessarily be too! The three main laws to be taken into account are the Federal Law on Alcohol, the Geneva Law on Restaurants, Drinking Places and Accommodation and the Geneva Law on the Takeaway Sale of Alcoholic Beverages.

The law distinguishes between consumption on the premises and takeaway sales. In both cases, in order to avoid disturbing public order, in particular public peace and health, prior authorisation issued by the Department of the Economy and Health is required.

The rules to be observed and the times to be respected vary from one hypothesis to another, as does the type of alcohol.

When selling and consuming alcoholic beverages on the premises, a choice of at least three beverages must be offered alongside the alcoholic beverages, including a natural mineral water, a fruit juice and a milk drink, at a price lower than that of the cheapest alcoholic beverage, and consumers' attention must be drawn to this offer. It is forbidden to serve alcoholic beverages to young people under the age of sixteen unless they are accompanied by someone with authority over them, or to people who are intoxicated or legally prohibited from consuming alcohol. Opening hours depend on the type of establishment: a café-restaurant may be open from 4am to midnight, while a guesthouse may be open from 10am to 10pm, subject to exceptions.

For your information, the sale of alcoholic beverages to take away is prohibited in petrol stations and ancillary shops, as well as in DVD sales and rental outlets; it may not be carried out between 9pm and 5pm, regardless of the law setting shop opening hours and unless otherwise authorised.

In any event, certain types of sale of alcoholic beverages are prohibited, such as street vending, hawking and visiting consumers without their request in order to take orders. In some cases, one-off exemptions may be granted. These include the free distribution of distilled beverages for advertising purposes, sales on public thoroughfares and squares during events and sales at prices that do not cover costs if the commercial activity is discontinued.

This is a very general overview of the provisions to be complied with when selling alcoholic beverages. Before embarking on such a venture, it is advisable to find out all you can about the subject and obtain the necessary prior authorisations, to avoid a fine, withdrawal of authorisation or even closure of the establishment.