by Christopher Mostue and Joel B. Payne
The governemt surtax committee in Norway has proposed to increase the tax on alcohol by 10% and also discussed scrapping tax-free alcohol at airports and on ferries to neighbouring countries. The proposals have already been heavily
criticised by the industry. As the committee is dominated by anti alcohol lobbyists, who do not necessarily reflect the whole of the parliament, the measure is unlikely to pass. As it would certainly only increase cross border trade, there are many people against it. Still, it may well be a sign of rougher times to come for the wine and spirits industry in Norway.
