The Belgian 'special' brewers who have seen their products effectively barred from the French market by a new tax on strong beer have sent an ultimatum to the French government. Unless the French can provide a 'satisfactory' response, legal action will follow, the Belga news agency reports.

Earlier attempts by brewers and the Belgian government have been fruitless. In November, France decided to raise the tax on beer stronger than 8.5 per cent alcohol from EUR 0.16-0.18 to EUR 2 per litre. Belgian brewers of so-called 'special' beers have since complained that the tax makes their products impossible to sell in the country, unfairly supporting French brewers at the expens of foreign competitors.

23 January, 2003