“Please Undo Restriction on Whisky Sale at Discount Shop during Chuseok Holidays”

As National Tax Service (NTS) restricted liquor sale at discount shops, EU Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Korea requested to NTS to undo the restriction temporarily for the period of Korean Thanksgiving Day when the demand for gift set of whisky increases sharply.

At 22nd, According to liquor industry and NTS, EU Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Korea requested to NTS by written documents no to restrict the sale of whisky at discount shops temporarily during Choseok holidays. By amending the operational manual, NTS imposed in the last month on consumers to whisky more than a certain amount at discount shop by showing ID card or documents that is issued from NTS to proof genuine consumers. So if a consumer buys more than 3 bottles of whisky, he/she should show an ID card, and the ‘certificate of genuine consumer’ for more than 5 bottles.

NTS practices this measure because many amusement business, restaurants, retail shops, etc purchase large amount of liquor at discount shop and sale to avoid tax by decreasing turnover.

In the written letter, EU Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Korea requests, “Undo the restriction during Chuseok holidays when many citizens buy whisky for their family or relatives.”

One of persons concerned whisky business spoke “ in the calendar month including Korean Thanksgiving Day, many consumers buy whisky and the turnover increases by 30 –40%.” The sale of Soju, Korean whisky, and beer at discount shops is restricted by NTS as well. So the NTS decision on the requirement is focused.

Chi-Young Shin higgledy@donga.com