TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Ministry of Finance has sped up procedures to raise the maximum duty free liquor allowance for travelers entering Taiwan from 1 liter to 1.5 liters at the start of the Lunar New Year holiday.

An initial proposal set the new limit at 2 liters, but because of divided opinions, the ministry later reduced the figure to 1.5 liters, per CNA. The new rules, expected to go into effect on Jan. 25, will be the first change to the liquor allowance in 20 years.

Lawmakers pointed out that a 1-liter bottle usually only contained 700 centiliters. As travelers often bought one bottle for themselves and one as a present for friends, they easily exceeded the limit, according to legislators supporting the change.

The Ministry of Finance consulted domestic alcohol distillers and distributors, and looked at duty-free practices in Asia, Europe, and America. The study also considered the potential loss in tax revenue from a more generous allowance.

The ministry estimated 12 million travelers would enter the country in 2025, with the new measures causing a loss in revenue of several million New Taiwan dollars.

Alcohol increases risk of over 60 diseases and health conditions.