Small Bottles – Huge Problem? A New Phase of Poland’s Ongoing Alcohol Epidemic

Alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of morbidity and premature mortality of young and middle-aged adults in Poland. Both vodka and beer consumption levels have increased in Poland in the last 15 years due to alcohol tax decreases and lax marketing laws. In 2008 the Polish spirits industry began promoting a new format of vodka drinking – small vodka bottles (SVBs). This article outlines the rapidly growing popularity of SVBs and their impact on alcohol consumption patterns in Poland. It also suggests some reasons underlying the growth of the SVB market, including easy availability, wide range of choices, convenience, and low prices. It concludes with a call for independent research that could help better understand, and effectively address, this new phase of Poland’s alcohol epidemic.