05/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 3 June, the Ecofin Council gave its authorisation for Portugal to apply a reduced rate of excise on beer produced in Madeira by local independent breweries (EUROPE 9659). Production in these breweries must not supersede 300,000 hectolitres a year. The share of annual production that goes above 200,000 will not benefit from the reduced rate if it is consumed in Madeira. The reduced rate in question cannot exceed 50% of the normal national rate. The...