Boozegates burst wide open, but not everyone is merry

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.