A balancing act needed in the Alcohol Levy reduction

Reports that the government had revoked the Alcohol Levy Fund and reduced it by 20% from 55% has been welcomed by the booze-crazy nation. Many expressed gratitude to President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s administration for taking such a bold decision.

This means the levy now will be 35% on the cost of production. This is the first reduction since the contentious levy was introduced in 2008. There were too many problems, which were brought about by the introduction of the levy ranging from loss of business to loss of jobs and for a long time, many wanted the levy to be gone like yesterday.

However, now that it has been cut while government continues to consult on whether to stop it altogether or not, traders should be forced to comply with the current policy. Already, there are echoes from the industry players, the Botswana Alcohol Industry Association (BAIA) that the announcement came as a shock, saying the reduction would cause losses as many were sitting on stock procured at a higher price.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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