Belgian Brewers Angered By French Beer Tax

by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels

23 January 2003

Small Belgian breweries have been angered by France's decision to impose a two euro per litre tax on strong beer, according to reports.

Speaking to the Associated Press on Tuesday, Belgian Foreign Trade Minister, Annemie Neyts bemoaned the move, which may end up forcing several microbreweries which produce Belgian specialty beers out of business.

'I see nothing good coming from this kind of trade war. Too bad they have gone down this road,' she argued.

Although the French government has defended the decision to introduce the tax, arguing that it is intended to counter alcoholism, the move has been condemned as protectionist given that the tax will not apply to equally strong French beverages.

'Why does the measure only apply to strong beer and not on wine which has a much higher alcohol content and consumption?' Ms Neyts asked, continuing: 'It is a piece of French logic which will need some explaining.'

According to AP, the Belgian brewers affected by the new French tax are considering taking legal action.

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