In a bid to cork the bottle of government finances before it’s completely decanted, the Kremlin plans to effectively triple the rate of excise duty and double the transportation tax on beers. The move is seen as part of a wider campaign to curb the country’s fermenting alcohol problem.
Between 2010 and 2012 the tax on beer would, under the new proposals, rise by 50% per annum, for wine by 30%, and for high alcohol drinks (i.e. vodka) by a mere 10% – and that would only be once, in 2012. Whilst all alcoholic beverages may appear equal, evidently some are more equal than others . . . .
