Brussels, 08/09/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 8 September the European Commission adopted a proposal to increase minimum excise rates on alcohol and alcoholic drinks by 31% from 1 January 2008 (EUROPE 9128). The increase in these rates, which only takes into account the rate of inflation, affects beer, intermediate products (fortified wines such as Port and sherry) and alcohol but not wine, for which the minimum rates are zero. The Commission is therefore responding to the expectations of the...