Danish breweries cleared to hold summer parties

Danish breweries may proceed with summer festivals as long as duty-paid and duty-free beer are physically separated, the Tax and Growth Ministry confirmed in a statement.

Several microbreweries had cancelled or altered summer events over concerns they might violate rules requiring clear separation between taxed and untaxed beer. The regulation itself is longstanding but has only recently been enforced.

Tax and Growth Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt said uncertainty had led some breweries to call off events or hobby brewers to avoid sharing free samples at festivals without paying duty.

“It frustrates me that a brewery would feel so unsure about compliance that they cancel a summer party, or that a home brewer can’t share free tastings at a beer festival without duty being paid,” Engel-Schmidt said. “Breweries must be able to hold summer parties, and if they have doubts, they should get quick and clear guidance from the tax authority.”

The ministry clarified that a physical barrier—such as a rope, curtain, or fence—can satisfy the separation requirement. It has also set up a hotline for breweries seeking advice.

Erik Borg, owner of Borgs Bryghus in Herning, welcomed the announcement. “I understand the confusion, and I’m glad the minister has stepped in to say this interpretation isn’t acceptable,” he said. “It’s positive that the tax agency’s recent stance is being set aside.”