Ireland has second highest beer taxes in EU

Ireland has the second highest levels of excise duty and VAT on beer in the European Union, according to figures released today.

The figures show that Irish drinkers pay €1.20 per litre in duty and taxes on beer, second only to Finland on €1.73.

Britain and Sweden are the only other EU countries which charge more than €1 per litre in beer taxes.

The Netherlands, Belgium and Italy charge just over 20c, while Luxembourg, Spain and Germany charge just 11c.

The European Commission said the huge differences in duties and taxes are causing major trade distortions which are hampering the smooth running of the single European market.