DUTY ON WHISKY

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 14, 17 July 1934, Page 9

DUTY ON WHISKY

SMALL REDUCTION

TO BE PASSED ON

Although not at- first apparent, a change has been mado in the new Customs tariff which, in effect, has resulted in a reduction in the amount of duty payable on whisky ana similar spirits. While the rate of duty on'whisky remains at 40s a proof gallon the basis of strength has been reduced, from 16.51 under proof in the old tariff to 25 under | proof in the revised schedule. Case whisky varies from 20 to 25 under proof, and the duty is now payable on the actual proof quantity up to 25, but no allowance beyond 25 under proof is mado for spirits or spirituous mixtures of a strength less than 25 under proof. The effect of tliis alteration is a reduction of duty payable of approximately 6s 3d a case of a dozen bottles. An instance, says the "New Zealand Herald," was a clearance made through the Customs of a. five-ease lot.' Under the old tariff the duty was £16 11s 3d, wjiile under the new scale it was reduced to £15, sales tax, which amounted to 30s 0d,.0r 6s Id a case, being excluded in both instances. The rate of duty, however, will vary slightly in accordance with, the proof strength of the spirit down to 25.

"Our customers can rest assured that the reduction in duty amounting to 6d a bottle will-be passed on to them," said a prominent member of the Auckland Licensed Victuallers' Association. ' I do not think wo shall be able to do anything in so far as the 'nips ' are concerned. I cannot see any way of spreading 6d over a bottle of whisky." The hotelkeeper said that the date on which tho now prices would come into force had yet to be determined by his association.