Czechs say blocked EU alcohol duty compromise

BRUSSELS, Nov 28 (Reuters) - The Czech Republic blocked on Tuesday a compromise deal to increase duties on beer in the European Union because the plan gave an unfair advantage to wine producers, the country's finance minister said.

"We cannot agree with the growing excise tax for beer where the minimum for wine is zero. It's clear that there is competition between wine and beer," Czech Finance Minister Vlastimil Tlusty told reporters.

"There is no result and discussion will continue," he said after a meeting of EU finance ministers. ((Reporting by David Milliken, writing by William Schomberg, editing by Mike Peacock; Reuters Messaging: william.schomberg.reuters.com@reuters.net; Brussels newsroom +32 2 287 6832, fax +32 2 230 5573))

Keywords: EU TAX/BEER