The Munich craft brewery Giesinger Bräu has initiated a signature collection for a citizens' referendum proposal. The goal of this initiative is to break the long-standing monopoly of the six traditional beer brands permitted for sale during the legendary Oktoberfest festival. Founder Steffen Marx emphasizes that the company meets all formal requirements, including the condition of having its own deep well on Munich territory.

Fighting the Monopoly of the Big Six

The craft brewery aims to break the long-standing monopoly of the six largest beer brands, which are the only ones with the right to stalls at Oktoberfest.

Requirement of 35 Thousand Signatures

The initiative requires collecting 35,000 signatures by July 23, 2026, to bring about a binding citizens' referendum in Munich.

Münchner Bier Certification

Giesinger Bräu invested in its own deep well, allowing it to become the seventh brand entitled to use the protected regional name.

The independent brewery Giesinger Bräu has announced an ambitious plan to introduce its products at Oktoberfest in 2027. Currently, only six traditional brands, the so-called Big Six, are permitted at the world's largest beer festival: Augustiner, Hacker Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten. The Giesinger Bräu initiative is based on the formula of a citizens' initiative, which is intended to lead to a binding referendum. The brewery owner, Steffen Marx, officially launched the campaign during the opening of the Starkbierfest (strong beer festival). To bring about a vote, the company must collect at least 35,000 signatures from Munich residents by July 23, 2026, coinciding with the brand's 20th anniversary. Giesinger Bräu has long sought participation in the festival, investing, among other things, in its own deep well, which allowed it to obtain the prestigious Münchner Bier certification. According to the festival regulations, only beer brewed in accordance with Munich traditions and using water from local deep wells may be served on the Theresienwiese grounds. Oktoberfest originated in 1810 on the occasion of the wedding of the Bavarian crown prince Ludwig to Princess Theresa. The tradition of admitting only selected breweries developed over decades, becoming a foundation of the event's identity. An obstacle for Giesinger Bräu is paragraph 51 of the festival's operational regulations, which protects the traditional composition of exhibitors. Changing these rules requires a decision by the Munich City Council, which the brewery wants to compel through the will of residents via a local referendum. Success for this initiative would be a true revolution in the conservative world of Bavarian brewing. Marx argues that his company is deeply rooted in the city and represents the modern face of Munich hospitality, deserving equal treatment with the historical industry giants. „We are a Munich brewery with our own deep well, the Münchner Bier seal, and clear roots in this city.” — Steffen Marx Required Signatures vs. Deadline: Required quorum: 35000, Collection date: 20260723 6 — breweries currently form the monopoly at Oktoberfest Liberal-leaning media emphasize the fight against monopoly and refreshing the ossified structures of the traditional festival. | Conservative outlets stress the need to protect centuries-old tradition and caution against changes to the Wiesn regulations.

Mentioned People

  • Steffen Marx — Founder and managing director of the Giesinger Bräu brewery, main initiator of the referendum campaign.