Yearly tax will increase illicit drinks, warn beer makers

Beer is currently charged excise at Sh100 per litre. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Alcohol manufacturers and dealers have faulted Treasury proposal to raise excise duty on beer yearly for inflation, warning of a possible spike in the flow of illicit low-cost brew.

The Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK) reckons the annual tax increments would push the majority low-end consumers to low priced, unregulated liquor and hurt dealers along with the taxman in foregone revenues. It would also undermine government’s ongoing efforts to fight counterfeits, they say.

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