A labelling apparatus for the labelling of containers includes at least one first labelling device, a storage device and a control device. The at least one first labelling device applies a label from a first strip of labels to a container. The control device controls the labelling of the containers based on a detection result of a first detection device which detects a pattern of containers and container-absence points in a supply flow of the containers to the first labelling device, and/or on the basis of a detection result of a second detection device which detects a filling state of the labels in the storage device. The control interrupts the labelling of the container if the first detection device detects a pre-determined pattern of containers and container-absence points and/or if the second detection device detects a pre-determined filling state of the labels in the storage device.