The measure notified by Austria whereby wine and other fermented beverages, sold direct to the consumer at the place of production, are exempted from the beverage tax which is normally levied at a rate of about 7,58 % (10 % before VAT) of the retail sales price of the product, is incompatible with the common market.
Austria may not maintain, after 31 December 1998, the measure referred to in the first paragraph.
Austria shall inform the Commission, within two months of the date of notification of this Decision, of the measures adopted to comply with it.
This Decision is addressed to the Republic of Austria.
Done at Brussels, 3 February 1999.
For the Commission
Franz FISCHLER
Member of the Commission
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