VAT revenues for alcohol and alcoholic beverages record a positive change of 27.65 million euros (+ 42.4%) in the first half of 2021, compared to the first half of 2020, according to the Association of Greek Spirits Producers & Alcoholic Beverages (SEAOP). Regarding alcoholic beverages in general (beer, wine, alcoholic beverages), revenues from excise duties (VAT) increase by 23.6 million euros (+ 17%) compared to the corresponding first half of 2020 (which were set in universal locking force measures). Especially for the alcoholic beverages sector, the revenues from EFK show an increase of 12.65 million euros compared to 2020.
According to SEAOP, although there is an increase in revenue from VAT, VAT compared to 2020, thanks to the recovery of the internal market, they must lag behind the pre-pandemic era. More specifically, EFC revenues are significantly reduced compared to the corresponding half of 2019 & 2018 (-23.1% and -28.3% respectively), due to the pandemic of Covid-19 and the restrictions that returned at the same time closing focus).
SEAOP points out the need for institutionalization of measures by the state that will lead to the improvement of the business environment and to ensure the stability of the relevant public funds, so that they gradually return in 2019 & 2018. Also, add that to support and restart of the catering industry, a corresponding measure has already been instituted for non-alcoholic and coffee.
SEAOP positively evaluates the measures taken for the specific sector and given the gradual effort to restart the focus, supports the horizontal reduction of VAT, to 13%, including alcoholic beverages. In addition, it supports the reduction of the Special Consumption Tax Rate (CFR) of alcoholic beverages to the level of the European average (from 25.50 euros / liter of ethyl alcohol to 18.00 euros) in order to achieve the recovery of the legal market in a healthy way, significantly reducing the cost of raw materials and new capital for the reopening of local consumption and facilitating the permanent movement of a sufficient volume of sales from illegal to legal trade, while the security of tax rates would immediately give a growth impetus to control.
Finally, SEAOP supports the possibility of regulating VAT and VAT paid at Customs, in installments, and a 25% discount for timely payment of VAT at Customs.
SOURCE: AMPE