Independents toast cut in excise duty

By Ian Guider

Finance Minister Brian Cowen yesterday announced that excise duties for independent breweries would be halved, a move that will cost the Exchequer just €1 million a year.

The Independent Craft Brewers Network (ICBN), which represents the small group of Irish producers, said its members have been priced out of the market in recent years and the reduction will save many jobs.