Distillers call for restrictions on tourists bringing alcohol into Poland

One of the country's largest distillers, Polmos Lublin, is putting pressure on the Finance Ministry to introduce legislation restricting imports of vodka into Poland. The distiller is mainly concerned about the amount of alcohol being brought into the country by so-called tourists who cross the border several times a day. Polmos Lublin is demanding that anyone bringing tax-free alcohol into Poland must have been abroad for more than 24 hours. It also wants a quota imposed of half a liter per person of 40% proof alcohol. Other distillers support the idea. "According to studies done by the National Council of Spirits Producers (KRPS), illegal imports of alcohol amount to between 30% and 35% of the country's legal production. It would be desirable to introduce mechanisms bringing this indicator down," said Jan Malachowski, CEO of Polmos Bialystok and a member of the KRPS. Polmos Lublin estimates that alcohol smuggling costs the State Treasury up to zl.3 billion in lost duties annually. (Puls Biznesu, p. 3) A.K.