Drinks industry calls for 15% reduction of excise tax on alcohol

The drinks industry is calling on the Government to reduce the excise tax on alcohol by 15% over the next two years in a bid to prevent the closure of pubs and off-licences.

The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) - an umbrella organisation representing the Irish Hotels Federation, Licensed Vintners Association, National Off-Licence Association, Restaurants Association of Ireland, and the Vintners Federation of Ireland - wants a 7.5% reduction in excise tax Budget 2020 and a further 7.5% reduction in Budget 2021.