What is alcohol duty?

Alcohol duty, also known as alcohol excise tax or alcohol tax is a form of excise duty levied on alcoholic drinks in many countries. It adds a significant amount tot he cost of alcoholic drinks, with tax revenue on alcohol products being used to fund public services and reduce the negative effects of alcohol consumption on society.

Alcohol duties may be levied on various alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, spirits, and other forms of alcoholic beverages, based on their alcohol content or volume. The rate of alcohol duty can differ depending on the type of alcoholic drink and its alcohol by volume (ABV).

Many countries have multi-tiered alcohol duty structures, with higher duty rates for higher-strength alcoholic beverages. This is done to discourage excessive consumption of strong alcohol and promote moderation.

Alcohol duties can be imposed by governments at various levels, including national, provincial, or even municipal levels. They are often implemented in conjunction with other alcohol control measures, such as restrictions on advertising, sales, and consumption, as part of a comprehensive approach to address societal and health issues related to alcohol.

The specific regulations and rates of alcohol duty vary from country to country, with each government setting their own policies and objectives for alcohol taxation and control.