Beer Taxes in Europe by Country: Chart

Taxes on beer vary widely among the countries in Europe. The EU requires every country to levy a minimum of €0.03 ($0.03) for a 330ml (11.2 oz) beer bottle with 5 percent alcohol content according an article at Tax Foundation. Germany, Luxembourg and Spain charge the lowest taxes on a beer bottle at the minimum rate defined by the EU. This is not surprising as Germany is a beer-drinking nation for ages and Spain is popular with tourists especially the British for its cheap beer. The German rate is also the lowest among the OECD countries.

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Source: Tax Foundation

In addition to the excise taxes shown above all countries levy a Value-Added Tax (VAT) on beer when it is purchased by consumers. Consumers see the VAT added to a bill just like any other item but do not see the excise tax.

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