Definition: Federal Alcohol Authority (RFA)

It is a Swiss federal institution attached to the Federal Department of Finance and based in Bern. As a state-owned enterprise, it keeps its own accounts and employs around 180 full-time and part-time staff (166 positions). More than three-quarters of these employees work at the central administration. The rest of the workforce is employed in the field and in warehouses. The RFA is responsible for enforcing alcohol legislation. Restrictions on availability through taxation and restrictive regulations on advertising for spirits have proven to be effective means of reducing consumption. Controls on manufacturing, importation and trade are designed to ensure taxation. By increasing the retail price of spirits, taxation helps to reduce the consumption of strong alcoholic beverages. The Régie is responsible for collecting alcohol tax.