Financial Resolution No. 6 provides for an increase in the alcohol products tax on ordinary strength still wine, with effect from midnight tonight. When VAT is included, the increase will amount to 50 cent on a standard bottle of wine. Pro rata increases are being applied to other wine products and certain other fermented and intermediate products. In comparison to most other EU member states, Ireland applies high excise rates to all alcohol products. Excise duty on wine has not been increased since 1994. The sale of wine has been strong over the past 15 years, particularly relative to other alcohol products. The rates of tax on beer, spirits, cider and perry will not be altered. The estimated yield from this proposal is approximately €31 million in a full year. It will have a 0.05% impact on the consumer price index. Financial Resolution No. 6 also provides for the introduction of a reduced rate of alcohol products tax, of 50% of the full appropriate rates for beer and cider, for lower strength beer and cider. The products in question are those which have an alcohol-by-volume content of 2.8% or less. The estimated cost of this proposed measure is €3 million in a full year.

See this item in context