Cooperative members have decided: Migros remains alcohol-free

Until June 4, 2022, the members of the Migros cooperatives had the opportunity to vote "Oui" or "Non". "Oui" stood for the lifting of the alcohol ban in Migros, "Non" for the status quo. Now the results are in. The supermarkets, restaurants and takeaways of all ten regional cooperatives will remain alcohol-free in the future. In all regions, members voted to retain the ban on alcohol sales, which has existed since 1928 and is enshrined in the bylaws. A majority of two-thirds of the votes in each case would have been required to change this practice. Great interest in the vote There was great interest in the vote. In total, over 630,000 Cooperative members took part in the ballot - more than ever before. This corresponds to a voter turnout of 29 percent. "This is an impressive demonstration of the population's strong attachment to Migros and its democratic values," says Ursula Nold, President of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Migros Cooperatives (FMC). "The result is not surprising because all the polls pointed to a clear 'no'. The hurdle for an amendment to the Articles of Association was very high, requiring a two-thirds majority. Migros democracy has won. And I am pleased that the members of the Cooperative made a clear and unanimous decision throughout Switzerland," says Ursula Nold. Marianne Meyer, President of the FMC Assembly of Delegates, states: "The impetus to once again discuss the alcohol ban in principle came from the delegates' base and not from the management. Now our rank and file Cooperative members have made an unequivocal decision. Something like this is only possible in the Migros community."

Non-alcoholic Migros beer "Non" is launched

Nevertheless, there will be a visible change to the product range in Migros stores, Migros restaurants and Migros take-aways. The non-alcoholic Migros beer "Non" is expected to be available there from 2023. "We already offer a wide range of non-alcoholic beverage alternatives, for example for trendy aperitifs," says Ursula Nold. "From now on, the non-alcoholic Migros beer will be a visible symbol of Migros democracy in the stores." For Ursula Nold, the voting results show: "Migros remains Migros. The members of the Cooperative have made a commitment to a traditional feature when it comes to alcohol. By voting yes to online voting, they also sent a clear signal that Migros should continue to develop in a progressive way, as has always been its nature."