By June 4th, Migros will let 2.3 million members of the cooperative decide whether they will be able to buy alcohol from the orange giant in the future. If the two-thirds majority is reached, there will be beer and wine in the shops in the future. The matter is highly controversial within Migros.
Former Migros boss Herbert Bolliger (69) is the most prominent fighter against lifting the alcohol ban at Migros. He has gathered some of his closest associates from his time at the helm of Migros to prevent the sale of alcohol. The so-called group for the M values wants to defend the legacy of Migros founder Gottlieb Duttweiler (1888-1962).
Hürlimann brewery
Now the supporters of alcohol sales also have their say in the “Migros-Magazine”. Anton Scherrer (79), President of the General Management of the Federation of Migros Cooperatives FMC from 2001 until his retirement in 2005, is campaigning for a yes. His background: Before he came to Migros in the 1990s, he ran the Hürlimann brewery.
“For me, it’s about honesty when it comes to alcohol,” says Scherrer. Gottlieb Duttweiler introduced the alcohol renunciation in 1928 in an emergency because he was boycotted by suppliers. Now it is time to give up the alcohol ban. The reason: “The delegates have recognized that Migros has introduced alcohol around the supermarkets and is thus avoiding the alcohol ban.”
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Customers are at a disadvantage because they cannot buy alcohol from Migros. “They have to get their beer and wine elsewhere, which is a hassle. Or, even worse, they dodge and buy everything from the competition right away,” says Scherrer. It is more convenient and better for the environment to buy everything at once.
“Addicts have a difficult life”
He takes addiction issues very seriously and doesn’t want to downplay the problem. “Addicted people have a difficult life, but they are better protected and supported today than in Duttweiler’s time. Consumers are better informed today. They are self-determined and don’t want to be restricted.»
Scherrer makes it clear: “Migros sells large quantities of alcohol, be it through Denner, Migrolino, Voi and even through the Migros online supermarket!” Duttweiler had a relaxed relationship with alcohol and also enjoyed a glass of wine. “With his business acumen, he would have nothing against selling alcohol in today’s cut-throat market.” (pbe)