Bottoms up for the EU
Czech brewers greeted the accession into the European Union with half a litre of cautious optimism writes Lyle Frink in Prague. Accession into the EU had already led to Value-Added Taxes on gastronomy services being hiked from 5 percent to 19 percent, to say nothing about increased sanitary standards for pubs and restaurants. But beyond the internal preparations, EU membership lowered customs barriers for outward sales. And in the Czech Republic, where beer exports make up about 9 percent of all production, access to outside markets is crucial.
Nearby markets of "E-10" members
"We think this will open the gate to more exports," said Jan Vesely, head of the Czech Association of Brewers.
Just the rate alone fails to explain the difficulties faced by importers. ...
Select offer and read on
6 print issues