The Office for the Protection of Competition (ÚOHS) announced in a press release of 6 October 2026 that it had carried out an unannounced on-site inspection at one of the beer producers over possible abuse of a dominant position in the sale of beer to the hospitality trade (on trade), that is, to restaurants and pubs. The office did not name the company and, according to its statement, will not do so until any administrative proceedings end.[1][2]
Plzeňský Prazdroj confirmed to the Czech News Agency that the inspection took place at its premises and that it cooperated with the persons authorised by the office. Company spokesman Zdeněk Kovář said that the company has doubts about the lawfulness and proportionality of the inspection and will use legal remedies to protect its rights. He did not want to comment further while the inspection continues.[1][2] According to Hospodářské noviny, the inspection took place in recent weeks.[2]
Meaning of an on-site inspection
In an on-site inspection the office examines an initial suspicion of a breach of the competition law, for example a cartel agreement or abuse of a dominant position, and secures evidence. ÚOHS stressed that an inspection does not mean that unlawful conduct occurred, or that administrative proceedings will be opened or a penalty imposed.[1][2]
Related articles: Plzeňský Prazdroj, Úřad pro ochranu hospodářské soutěže
Chronology
- — The Úřad pro ochranu hospodářské soutěže announced that it had carried out an unannounced on-site inspection at a beer producer over a suspected abuse of a dominant position in beer sales to restaurants and pubs; Plzeňský Prazdroj confirmed that the inspection took place at its premises, doubts the lawfulness of the authority's procedure and intends to defend itself. Novinky.cz Hospodářské noviny
Sources
- Novinky.cz — 6 October 2026
- Hospodářské noviny — 6 October 2026