Story thread · 2 reports / 1 sources

Rakia in the Balkans - Different Names, Different Rules

bta.bg · 2hShare

Despite its distinctive characteristics and different names, rakia (a traditional fruit brandy) is an integral part of traditions throughout the Balkans. Known as “rakı” in Türkiye, “tsipouro” in Greece, and “țuică” or “pălincă” in Romania, rakia goes by different names in different countries, while the authorities apply different rules governing the production and distillation, taxation, and sale of the highly alcoholic beverage. A draft amendment to the Excise Duties and Tax Warehouses Act, published by the Ministry of Finance for public consultation on September 23, caused confusion in Bulgaria in recent days because of interpretations of the proposed provisions suggesting that even possessing a bottle of rakia given as a gift by a friend or neighbor could result in a fine of at least EUR 1,000. The Continue the Change party launched a petition entitled “Hands Off Homemade Rakia,” while the Movement for Rights and Freedoms objected to turning homemade rakia production into a source

First report: Draft Amendments Concerning Homemade Rakia Brandy Spark Political, Public Debate — bta.bg, 1d