Brewers oppose advance excise duty on alcoholic drinks

Excise duty is a consumption tax charged at the point of consumption. [iStockphoto]

Alcohol manufacturers have opposed the move by the government to force them to pay excise duty in advance, stating it will spur the production of illicit drinks.

The Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (Abak) said compelling legal manufacturers to pay excise duty within 24 hours upon removal of goods from the stockroom is a policy proclamation that will punish innocent players due to failures in managing illicit alcohol.