Sark government defend alcohol production tax after vineyard closure
Sark's government has defended its alcohol production tax, after Sark Vineyards cited it as a reason for its closure.
The company say they have faced 'obstructions' from the authorities since their inception in 2010, including the tax which they say made business not financially viable.
But Chief Pleas has released a statement explaining the tax is meant to "cover the costs of the administration of the law, including the inspection of the premises, and confirming the strength of the product".
It added that regulation is needed because "Consumers need to know that the product has been properly produced and the level of the alcoholic content."