[Belgium] A 71% Increase In Spirits Tax Not Generating The Expected Revenues

Spirits Europe reports how sales of spirits in Belgium are falling, leading to decreased tax revenues. In November 2015, the Belgian Government decided to raise excise tax on alcohol beverages, reinforcing the discrimination against spirits. Excise tax was raised on spirits by 41% (+71% since 2013) compared to beer (+17% since 2013) and wine (+59% since 2013). In Belgium, like in many other EU countries, consumption of spirits represents less than 15% but contributes 40% of the excise revenues.