Gov’t challenges ABL’s claim that beer tax changes threaten 2,000 jobs

Under the revised Excise Act, the three-band structure remains, but the rate for beer and stout containing more than 70% local raw materials has increased from 10% to 25%.

Under the previous regime, producers with more than 70% local raw material content paid a 10% excise rate.

The ministry said the relevant assessment should compare employment under the revised tax rates with the previous 10% concession, rather than consider the potential impact on the beer industry as a whole.