Morocco Maintains Alcohol Taxes, Lowers VAT for Cafes in New Tax Measures

The domestic consumption tax (TIC) and the specific tax maintained respectively at 900 DH/hectolitre and 20%, the tax applicable to cafes reduced to 10%. These new tax measures have been well received by bar and cafe owners.

Indeed, a new increase in taxation on alcoholic beverages would have "affected tourism" and encouraged illegal trade, analyzes L’Economiste. In addition to this negative impact, there is "the concern for job preservation" and the closure of points of sale. In total, 1,300 points of sale have been closed over the past decade. Moreover, the Marjane and Acima brands are among them, although "their market shares have experienced significant growth to represent up to 40% of the volumes marketed".

In addition, the State intends to mobilize 718 million DH in tax revenue on alcohol in 2020, the same source specifies.