The Vandervelde Law Restricts Belgian Alcohol Sales

On August 29, 1919, Belgium enacted the law on the alcohol regime commonly known as the Vandervelde Law, after Minister of Justice Émile Vandervelde, who promoted the measure as part of the fight against alcoholism. It distinguished fermented beverages containing no more than 18 percent alcohol from stronger alcoholic drinks and prohibited the sale of spirits for consumption in cafés, bars, and other public establishments. Spirits could still be purchased for consumption elsewhere, but retail sales were tightly restricted, including a minimum purchase of two liters. By removing spirits from bars while leaving beer available, the law encouraged Belgian brewers to offer stronger beers as alternatives. It has consequently been associated with growing demand for higher-alcohol Belgian beer, although strong Belgian beers existed before 1919. The Vandervelde Law remained in force until it was replaced by new alcohol legislation at the end of 1983.