240 years of corporate inclusion – 240 years of monopoly
For 240 years, the monopoly has stood for responsible retailing of sensitive gourmet goods and has a special focus on inclusion and entrepreneurship. A globally unique and successful model that welcomes people with disabilities into the primary labor market and accompanies them on their way to independence.
Mag. Hannes Hofer, Managing Director of MVG
Vienna (OTS) – inclusion has a very long tradition in Austria. The oldest known – and still existing – example of this is the tobacconist’s allocation system, which goes back to a visionary idea from Emperor Josef II in 1784.
1784: On May 8th of this year, Maria Theresa’s son issued the “tobacco patent” and handed over the management of the tobacconists to the war invalids and warrior widows. At the same time, he coined the term “Trafik” – derived from the Italian term “traffico” for traffic.
This profound market form was an important part of the imperial ambitions to fill the state coffers, modernize the economic and administrative structures of the empire, and provide security for the many victims of war.
2024: More than two centuries later, the general conditions have changed: the empire is history, and with Austria’s accession to the EU in 1995, the comprehensive monopoly became a retail monopoly. In addition to tobacco products, you can also find numerous ancillary items in the tobacconists – even ice cream, coffee, concert tickets, prepaid cards and selected small spirits. And the social heart of the monopoly beats stronger than ever.
Today, all tobacconist locations that become available are only given to people with a disability level of at least 50 percent. Overall in Austria 1,218 tobacconists run by people with disabilities. The tobacconists also make an important fiscal policy contribution to the country’s budget with around 2.7 billion euros in taxes.
Company inclusion. On average, MVG supports a person with disabilities every fifth day in starting a business and taking on a responsible role in the primary labor market.
The traffic In 2024, we will play a central role in ensuring high quality standards and ensuring compliance with youth protection regulations. As an institution firmly rooted in the region, tobacconists are also considered important social meeting places that ensure exchange and an increased sense of community in many places.
For 240 years This imperial system has proven itself, developed and transformed. Today it is celebrated worldwide as a model for inclusive entrepreneurship and responsible handling of sensitive luxury goods.
Mag. Hannes Hofer Managing Director of MVG
„For 240 years, the monopoly has stood for responsible retailing of sensitive gourmet goods and has a special focus on inclusion and entrepreneurship. A globally unique and successful model that welcomes people with disabilities into the primary labor market and accompanies them on their way to independence.
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Questions & Contact:
Monopolverwaltung GmbH
Trude Schreibershofen
Head of Communications
+43 664 132 11 55
communication@mvg.at
www.mvg.at