France has suspended controversial plans to raise tenfold a tax on strong beer, a measure that had raised the ire of brewers of the potent drink, especially in Belgium, Reuters reported

The tax would hurt about 25 Belgian brewers, including those behind the potent Chimay, Westmalle and Rochefort brands.

The strongest among them has about 12 percent alcohol.

Although the effect of the tax would be marginal for Interbrew, the brewer of such global brands as Stella Artois and Beck's nevertheless threw its support behind the small brewers.

A recently passed French law, aiming to raise money for social security through various means, would increase the tax on beer containing 8.5 percent or more alcohol to 200 euros per hectolitre from 25.9 euros -- regardless of whether it is imported or not.

05 February, 2003