FOR YOUR INFORMATION
We share below a number of recent developments. As always, we rely on FIVS Members to apprise us of noteworthy matters. Please contact the FIVS Secretariat with items that may be of interest.
Tariffs
European Union – United States: Easing of tariffs skips American whiskey – Although tariffs related to the aircraft makers Boeing-Airbus dispute between the European Union and the United States were suspended earlier this month, the U.S. whiskey industry still faces 25% duties, which were the EU’s response to former President Trump’s steel and aluminum duties in June 2018 that still remain in place. And those EU duties on American whiskey are scheduled to double on 01 June 2021. Sales to the EU, the largest export market for American whiskey, have fallen a reported 37% to $440 million since the tariffs went into effect in 2018. The new U.S. Trade Representative has pledged to review the U.S. government’s use of applicable retaliatory tariffs.
Prohibiting alcohol
India: Tamil Nadu parties discuss new prohibition plans – Fifty years after its alcohol ban was lifted, ruling and opposition parties in the South Indian state Tamil Nadu are promising support in the run-up to Assembly elections on 06 April 2021 for a phased introduction of a complete ban on alcohol beverages and closure of liquor outlets. The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee reportedly has said that following the elections, a committee comprising experts and officials will be formed to work towards imposing a complete ban on liquor, while ensuring the ban does not lead to an increase in illicit alcohol or a loss in revenue to the government from alcohol sales.
Regulatory developments
United States: Sale of wines – Florida’s State House Commerce Committee unanimously approved legislation that would repeal a state law prohibiting the sale of wine in containers larger than one gallon. If signed into law, the legislation would take effect on 01 July 2021. Selling wine in a container larger than one gallon is currently a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $500 and 60 days in prison.
Cancer studies
Japan: Alcohol increases breast cancer risk in premenopausal women – Researchers at Aichi Cancer Center in Nagoya, Japan, reportedly have found that the more alcohol premenopausal Japanese women drink, the more likely they are to develop breast cancer. Data for their study was collected from more than 158,000 Japanese women over a period of about 14 years. Premenopausal women who drank alcohol nearly every day had a 1.37 times higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who did not drink alcohol. Those who drank more than 23 grams of alcohol each day had a 1.74 higher risk. The researchers found no link between the amount or frequency of drinking and the risk of breast cancer in women after menopause. NOTE: The article does not indicate whether the study’s findings involved the absolute or relative risks of developing breast cancer.
Drink driving
India: Drinking age lowered in Delhi – The Deputy Chief Minister reportedly announced that the legal drinking age in Delhi has been lowered from 25 to 21 years, matching the age limit in Uttar Pradesh. The Deputy Chief Minister added that the Delhi government would not open any new liquor shops. The Delhi government has apparently not approved any licenses for new shops since 2016.
Russia: The pitfalls on confiscating cars from drink drivers – The Federation of Car Owners of Russia has spoken out against legislation submitted by the State Assembly of Bashkiria to the State Duma for the confiscation of cars from repeated drink drivers. The Federation reportedly questioned what would be done when the drink driver has borrowed or rented the car driven, and noted the inequity involved if the government confiscated cars only if they were driven by their owners. Separately, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has reportedly developed plans to increase the maximum prison term from two years to three years for systematic drink driving.
United States: Two new drink driving bills signed into law – The governor of Utah has signed two pieces of legislation that will increase penalties for drivers with blood-alcohol levels more than three times the state’s legal limit, including longer jail sentences. One bill reportedly will require those drink drivers who badly injure or kill someone to remain in custody at least until their court hearing; and the other bill will enhance penalties for drivers who are extremely drunk.
Sri Lanka: Calls for new recycling legislation – Sri Lanka’s Auditor General has called for new recycling legislation, claiming that the disposal of millions of empty alcohol bottles has caused severe environmental problems. Six alcohol manufacturing companies subject to an audit reported that only 10% of 46.3 million bottles had been recycled.
United States: Viticulturists on impacts of climate change on wine country – Viticulturists report that climate change is causing more cool air to come into the Livermore Valley in California earlier each day, shortening the growing day and necessitating more growing days in the season to achieve optimal ripeness for varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. At some point in time, the Valley may have perfect conditions to ripen Cabernet Franc but be unable to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon adequately before the winter rains arrive.
NOTE: We make no warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information in these FIVS Alerts; nor do we necessarily support or agree with views expressed or contained therein.