From January 1, 2023, taxation on draft beer has increased. Thus, VAT increased from 5% to 19%, according to tax consultant Cornel Grama. Until now, this was the only exception in the Fiscal Code regarding the value added tax related to alcohol.

With the new year, in accordance with the application of the provisions of Resolution 16/2022, this has changed.

“If you go to the city, to a restaurant, now there will be 19% VAT on draft beer. There is no longer an exception,” said Cornel Grama.

Whether we will have a price increase or not depends on the restaurants.

Also, regarding the Horeca sector, we should note that from January 1, the reduced VAT rate will increase from 5% to 9% for restaurant and public catering services, as well as for accommodation in hotels.

These aren’t the only VAT measures coming into force from 1 January 2023: soft drinks with added sugar (or other sweeteners or flavourings) will have a VAT rate of 19% instead of the current 9%.

Cornell Gram says that not every drink contains 19% sugar: “Let’s not go to the other extreme and run away from sugar like incense. For example, coffee preparations – 9%, not 19%.”

Read also:

All the measures that come into force from 1 January and affect your personal finances in 2023

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