No change in excise duty after Level 3 announcement would be ‘indefensible’ say drinks group

DIGI are urging the government to reduce excise tax on drinks products by 15% minimum in Budget 2021. Photo: Michael Walter.

It would be “indefensible” to expect the drinks and hospitality industry to continue to pay “exorbitantly high” excise taxes in light of the ongoing restrictions, the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) said.

A new report from the group shows Ireland has the highest excise tax on wine in the EU, the second-highest on beer and the third highest on spirits.