EU beer tax plan too much to swallow for Germany

Germany is preparing to defend its way of life from do-gooders in the European Commission. Brewers have joined forces with their government to fight what they claim is a two-pronged attack on beer drinkers.
The European Commission proposed September 2006 an increase in alcohol excise duties, while rumours that a review of how to cut alcohol abuse may recommend tobacco-style health warnings have caused uproar in Germany, a country that prides itself on the purity of its brews.

European Commission: DG Health and Consumer Protection: Health Determinants: Lifestyle: Alcohol http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/life_style/alcohol_en.htm

WHO: Health topics: Alcohol use http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/alcohol-use

European Commission: Press Release: IP/06/1165: Alcohol taxation: Commission proposes increases of minimum rates http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/1165&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Spiegel Online International, 23.4.08: Germans Toast the Anniversary of Their Beer Purity Law http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,549175,00.html

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