Tax agency vows support for traditional liquor manufacturers

National Tax Service (NTS) Vice Commissioner Lim Kwang-hyun, fourth from left, poses with traditional liquor manufacturers and other tax agency officials at a meeting held in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of the NTS

By Yoon Ja-young

The National Tax Service (NTS) hosted a meeting with manufacturers of traditional liquors, Friday, during which the manufacturers demanded support from the tax agency.

According to the NTS, diverse issues, including the taxation of traditional liquors, were discussed at the meeting. The traditional liquor manufacturers in particular showed their concern over the growing demand that mail order sales of liquor might be expanded. Currently, there is a restriction on mail order sales of liquors other than traditional liquors.

They also demanded simplifying the liquor tax filing procedure and easing regulations on the degree of alcohol content.

"Korea is seeing a 1.2 trillion-won deficit annually in the liquor trade, and the deficit is expanding. Traditional liquors need to be promoted to substitute for wines, whiskeys and sakes. The tax agency will also provide support," NTS Vice Commissioner Lim Kwang-hyun said at the meeting.

Tax income from traditional liquors recorded 7.8 billion won in 2020, which is a mere 0.26 of a percent of the total liquor tax.

The NTS plans to support traditional liquor manufacturers in contacting airlines, hotels and franchise restaurants to expand sales channels and induce the development of premium liquors through the introduction of quality certification.

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