Alcohol producers in the Czech Republic are reducing the alcohol content of selected spirits, responding to higher excise taxes and a long-term decline in alcohol consumption among younger people.

The latest changes follow a five-percent increase in excise duty on alcohol. While the tax rise adds less than five crowns to the price of a half-liter bottle of 40-percent rum, producers say even small increases can affect sales.

Rather than raise prices, some distillers have chosen to lower alcohol strength.

Several products that previously contained 40 percent alcohol were first reduced to 37 percent. New reductions are now being introduced. Plzeňský Stock has begun bottling certain spirits at 35 percent alcohol. Palírna U Zeleného stromu, based in Prostějov, has made the same adjustment for part of its range.

Producers say tax policy is not the only factor behind the move. Drinking habits among younger consumers are changing, with demand shifting toward lower-alcohol beverages.

The trend coincides with the growing visibility of Dry February (Suchej únor), a campaign encouraging people to abstain from alcohol for the month of February.

The rules of Dry February are simple. Not a drop of alcohol all February.

The campaign focuses on the benefits that just one month without alcohol brings. A break from alcohol will positively affect not only the wallet, but also improve sleep, clear the head and bring more energy to the body.

Abstinence helps smokers reduce smoking and reduce cigarette consumption. At the same time, it is far from just a detox from alcohol, but a change in lifestyle, overall cleansing and the opportunity to do something meaningful for yourself. Over 50% of the participants confirmed a long-term relaxation in alcohol consumption after four months from Sucháč in the questionnaire.

Suchej únor launched in Czechia in 2013, the same year that Dry January launched in the UK, and has only increased in popularity since then.

According to the National Monitoring Center for Drugs and Addiction, more than a million people in Czechia are on the verge of what they term ‘risky’ or problematic drinking.

You can find more information at www.suchejunor.cz

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