Boozegates burst wide open, but not everyone is merry :: Mmegi Online

The alcohol industry this week raised their collective glasses in delight when the tortuous alcohol levy was slashed for the first time in the 10 years since its introduction. Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI finds that not all the tears that marked this week’s announcement, were of joy

A week ago, assistant trade minister, Moiseraele Goya sat in the midst of a roomful of the country’s most prominent liquor traders and assured them that all efforts would be taken to avoid a shock reduction of the 55% alcohol levy.

Members of the Botswana Alcohol Industry Association (BAIA) had explained to Goya that while a reduction in the punitive levy would be most welcome, a sudden drop would lead to pricing losses on inventory already in hand. BAIA members represent the country’s largest producers, wholesalers and retailers of alcohol.

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