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Breweries Disillusioned at Coalition's Move to Raise Tax on Beer
Thursday 25 November 2010 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, November 25 (TASR) - The Slovak Association of Beer and Malt Producers (SZVPaS) is "disappointed by a decision of the Coalition Council today [Thursday] to recommend that MPs approve another significant hike in excise tax, that is by 22 percent for small breweries and by 27 percent for large ones," the association's executive director Roman Sustak said later on Thursday.
Earlier in the day, the coalition leaders agreed on a state budget draft for 2011 that includes measures applicable to excise tax on beer. Contrary to a earlier proposal for a 49-percent increase, 22- and 27- percent rises were adopted instead.
"After providing countless expert opinions, detailed analyses and explanations concerning reasons why yet another significant increase in excise tax is a ruinous move for breweries, we view the Coalition Council's decision as disregarding and underrating future developments in a sector of such importance," said Sustak.
"The Slovak Government is discriminating against beer vis-a-vis other sectors including wine production with its zero percent excise tax," he added.
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