C-178/84, Commission v Germany

Key Points to Note in This Case

• Issue: Germany's centuries-old Purity Law required that only beer brewed from barley, hops, water, and yeast could be sold as beer. This law prohibited the sale of beverages containing other ingredients like rice or maize.

• Outcome: The Court found that this law violated Article 34 TFEU. The free movement of goods was prioritised over the protection of cultural identity, requiring that drinks be allowed to be sold as ‘beer’ even if they contained non-traditional ingredients.