DUBLIN: Wine distributors and importers have called on the government to lower taxes on their products in the October budget to counter the impact of Brexit.
The Irish Wine Association (IWA) joined recent calls from the pubs and hospitality industry for alcohol excise to be reduced to ease a likely increase in cross-border shopping driven by the weaker sterling and to boost tourism.
“Irish consumers continue to pay the highest excise on wine in the EU. Ireland’s excise rate per standard €9 bottle equates to €3.19, more than 12 per cent more expensive than the UK.