Postponement of alcohol levy:a lesson for Khama

Initially, the President had announced that the levy will be effected from the 1st of July. This was later postponed to 18 August 2008, followed by the latest postponement. It has now been reported that government will pronounce its final decision by the end of September.

The BCP has in the past expressed its misgivings about the manner in which the government sought to deal with the problem of alcohol abuse. The proposed levy was not preceded by consultation with key stakeholders. No consideration was made for the substantial investment made by both domestic and foreign investors in the liquor industry. It must be noted that the liquor industry in Botswana operates in accordance with the laws of the country and all operators have been given licenses to operate their businesses  by the government of the day.