When going to the Balkans, it is worth bringing rakija with you. Grappa produced using traditional methods on Italian farms is a delicacy. Even Greek ouzo bought outside of liquor stores tastes different. Polish distillates in various versions are in no way inferior to the above drinks and as such – let’s not kid ourselves – are produced despite the current bans and potential penalties. What’s more, they are an element of a flourishing trade, which, however, due to its demonization in political and media narratives, must now take place in the grey zone. And that’s a pity, because the sale of local distillates could have a refreshing effect on the condition of even small farms or even HoReCa premises.
The production, possession and trade of moonshine are strictly prohibited and are subject to severe legal penalties, including heavy fines, imprisonment and confiscation of equipment used to produce it, such as heaters and coolers.
Reason to be proud
In the past, the so-called moonshine was an important element of our cultural panorama, associated with mystery, breaking rules and independence from state power. It was also a source of pride, similar to nalewkas, which were once a famous Polish specialty.
In Poland, unlike many other European countries, production in small home distilleries is prohibited, which is a certain anomaly. In the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria and Italy, small distilleries are a source of pride for local communities and an attraction for tourists. The distillates there go perfectly with the local cuisine, constituting a unique souvenir for visitors.
In Poland, it is worth considering the liberalization of regulations on the production of distillates on a small scale in this context. Our country has huge potential in this area, with excellent fruit, well-developed agritourism and a rich gastronomic base. This is a great opportunity to develop the distilling craft, which could bring many benefits to both the local community and tourists.
We have good models here that we can continue – for example in the form of regulations governing the conduct of agricultural retail trade. One example of using the potential of selling agricultural products that are processed on farms is the direct sales system and the aforementioned agricultural retail trade. This system allows farmers to sell products processed on their farms. In situations where production requires more advanced equipment, some products can be processed in specialized plants, such as presses that specialize in the production of fruit juices or oils. It is not required for the farmer to process these products in his own buildings.
Couldn’t a similar system be applied to the production of distillates? It could. Success is guaranteed here, as evidenced by the great popularity of liqueurs in Polish restaurants and even pubs.
Ready-made patterns
The patterns are basically ready, because they operate successfully in many European Union countries. Our neighbors and countries with which we have close relations have created legal regulations preventing moonshine making, but at the same time facilitating the legal production of distillates by fruit growers, farmers or even allotment gardeners. Everyone around, such as Czechs, Slovaks, Austrians, Hungarians… but not us. In these countries, the production of distillates for personal use is permitted, but also – while maintaining a clearly outlined moderation in the law – also for the needs of, for example, the HoReCa market.
It is worth considering today whether it would not be worthwhile to create regulations defining certain excise preferences for production, the scale of which does not exceed a low, statutorily defined level. The thresholds should perhaps be slightly higher here for those local producers who would like to supply their spirits to service points. Creating a simple system of registering producers and simplified supervision is also not an impossible task.
The nation will not be “drunk”
Legalization of distillate production is a chance to significantly reduce the grey zone and civilization of moonshine making, which in turn will contribute to increased consumer safety. Legalization and reduction of excise duty for small producers are also a chance for additional revenues to the state budget.
One of the main concerns that concerns decision-makers is the fear that legalization will increase the problem of alcohol abuse in society. It is worth emphasizing that high-quality alcohol – and that is what we are talking about here – is not intended for people struggling with alcohol problems or “connoisseurs” of cheap wines due to their relatively high price. Harmonization of excise duty rates, expressed as a percentage of ethanol, seems to be a logical step in this matter.
Excessive legal regulation in the spirits industry means that small, artisanal producers are forced to meet the same requirements as large alcohol corporations. It would be better for smaller producers if they were not burdened with such restrictions, which could more effectively eliminate their activities from the grey zone.
Let’s finally make some move towards legalizing distillate production and stop thinking we’re “worse than others.” We’re not.