Irish people pay second highest excise tax on alcohol in the EU and UK
As supporting members of the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), Drinks Ireland endorses the latest DIGI report authored by economist Anthony Foley, Associate Professor Emeritus at Dublin City University. The report underscores that Ireland's excessive excise duty – which remains among the highest across Europe – is out of step with European norms and falling domestic consumption.
The research reveals that Ireland levies the second-highest combined alcohol excise tax in the EU and UK, behind only Finland. With adult consumption continuing to drop towards broader European averages, these punitive tax rates place an unsustainable burden on local businesses, hospitality venues and consumers.
- Beer: Faces the third-highest excise in the EU and UK, attracting €0.55 excise per pint compared to €0.05 in Spain and Germany.
- Wine: Carries the second-highest excise rate in the EU and UK (€3.19 per €11 bottle), noting that 14 European nations charge zero excise on wine.
- Spirits: Faces the third-highest excise in the EU and UK, with €11.92 levied on a 70cl bottle of Irish whiskey compared to €2.69 in Spain
To address these pressures, DIGI is calling for an immediate ten per cent excise reduction in the upcoming Budget to protect regional pubs, hospitality venues and drinks producers.
