Irish consumers pay more tax on a pint of beer than 25 EU member states and UK

September 16, 2022

Industry leaders warn of impact of high excise tax on consumers and the hospitality sector as cost-of-living crisis worsens

 

Industry leaders warn of impact of high excise tax on consumers and the hospitality sector as cost-of-living crisis worsens

  • Ireland has the second highest overall rate of excise tax on drinks when compared to the EU27 and UK
  • Ireland has the highest wine excise in the EU27 and UK, while fifteen EU countries do not impose any excise on wine
  • Ireland has the second highest excise tax on beer behind Finland and the third highest excise tax on spirits behind only Sweden and Finland
  • In Spain, the excise tax on a bottle of whiskey is €2.69, in Ireland – where it is produced in an Irish distillery – the excise tax rate is €11.92
  • Commenting, economist and associate professor Anthony Foley said: “As the costs of production for drinks producers are rising and consumers’ disposable income is also diminishing, we will see a downward shift in demand among consumers which will pose a threat to the sustainability of the hospitality sector

 

Read the full article here