Beer manufacturer Red Stripe says a price increase is likely in the New Year due to the increased Special Consumption Tax (SCT) on beer.

Finance Minister Audley Shaw yesterday said the SCT per litre charged onbeers and stouts is now $1,334.00.

This has moved up from $960.00, or up by about 1/3 from the previous tax.

Red Stripe says the latest decision by government is discriminatory to beer, which has the lowest alcoholic content per litre.

Yesterday, Minister Shaw changed a tax regime he implemented two weeks ago that sought to havetax based on the alcoholic content of beverages.

Head of Corporate Relations at Red Stripe, Marguerite Cremin says the company has to consider a price increase because of the increased costs its facing.

She adds that government revenues are likely to also go down.

Meantime, Red Stripe wants to meet with Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Finance Minister Audley Shaw to discuss the taxation policy.

Red Stripe had welcomed the tax regime implemented on December 1, saying the playing field had been levelled with the SCT placed at $960.00.

Miss Cremin says manufacturers of beer will be paying 18% more than other alcoholic beverages.