The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) has called on the government to reduce excise duty on alcohol following recent findings that alcohol in Ireland is the among the most expensive in Europe.
The latest figures from Eurostat have revealed that alcohol here is 78% more expensive than the EU average, largely as a result of increases in excise duty. Between December 2012 and October 2013, excise duty on beer, spirits and wine were increased by 44%, 37% and 62% respectively.
The DIGI – which represents pubs, restaurants, hotels, retailers and independent off-licences – remain adamant that this is highly detrimental to the alcohol industry here. Peter Chairperson of DIGI O’Brien claimed that such increased would ultimately kill jobs by placing increased pressure on consumers.
“Excise is a tax on jobs, it is a tax on tourism and it is a tax on hard-pressed Irish consumers,” he said. “Tax increases have damaged Ireland’s reputation as a destination for drinks related capital investment.”
“Today’s Eurostat figures provide compelling evidence for an excise reversal.”
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Conor William O’Brien
