The Munich Oktoberfest is on the brink of extinction!
But what happened? According to the Narcotics Act (BtMG), alcohol is now considered an illegal drug. In plain language, this means that drinking alcoholic beverages in public is strictly prohibited. Any violation is punishable by a heavy fine or many years in prison. The government justifies its sudden decree with the fact that this treacherous drug has been underestimated until now. One in 20 deaths is caused by alcohol. According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), around three million people worldwide die every year from alcohol consumption - that is more than from the consequences of AIDS, violence and traffic accidents combined.
The numbers are alarming
Every year, 21,000 people die in Germany from the effects of alcohol, whereas only 1,300 deaths are caused by the consumption of the previously illegal drugs. The Drug Commissioner therefore suggests: "It is better to reach for the joint once more. Cannabis was already known for its healing effects 2000 years ago. Alcohol, on the other hand, is a neurotoxin and only makes you sick in the long run."
The government justifies its decision with the fact that accidents and acts of violence under the influence of alcohol are increasing worldwide. This must finally be put to an end. But the people will not put up with this rigorous approach.
The voice of the people
The masses take to the streets to demonstrate against it: "The first beer quenches my thirst. A second one makes me cheerful. After three, I don't care, so I just keep on drinking," is written in large letters on a banner held up by four staggering demonstrators. And on another: "Even water becomes a noble drop - if you mix it with malt and hops.
"I simply don't want to miss this pleasant, carefree feeling that spreads after the first few glasses," one of the demonstrators tells us. And all the interviewees agree: "A party without alcohol is no party! How can you still be funny without alcohol? A life without alcohol, unimaginable!" Another shouts: "What will I get out of life then? Nothing!" From a group of self-supporters we hear: "When you are full, lie down, and after sleeping, drink again".
But it is time to say goodbye
But it gets worse: we will probably never hear this legendary phrase again: "O`zapft is!" .
When we ask a Bavarian grump for his opinion, his answer is: "Himmi Herrgott, Sakrament, zefixhalleluja, milextamarsch. Scheissglump varreckts! You can't stand it in your head! Are they crazy, the fools? All the profit is with the deife! Now they're going to their graves!" (In German: Oh, my disappointment is great; in my estimation, the procedure is not well thought-out and has suboptimal economic effects. I wish the decision-makers all the best, but I predict my personal outlook on economic profit to be positive in the opposite direction).
But is that even legal? After all, beer is a staple food in Bavaria. Isn't it said here: "He who sows hops will reap beer." The Bavarians, at any rate, are pressed for time. "Liquid bread makes cheeks red! Don't let yourselves be lulled, keep on raising the tankard! Basta!"
And we too ask ourselves how our cultured society is supposed to get along without a little sparkling wine at the reception, the full-bodied red wine, the smoky whisky, the cool blonde or the martini shaken, not stirred?
As the Bavarian says so well:
"Sauf ́ ma - sterb ́ ma
sauf ́ ma net - sterb ́n ma a,
oiso - sauf ́ ma!