Drinks industry lobbied to get alcohol tax cut in last budget

THE drinks industry lobbied the Government ahead of last December’s budget to reduce the tax on alcohol, the Tax Strategy Group papers reveal.

Excises on beer and wine have remained unchanged since 1994, while those on cider and spirits were increased in December 2001 and 2002 respectively.

However, despite the fact there have been so few increases, Ireland has the highest rates of excise for still and sparkling wine and the second highest for spirits and beer.