Botswana president may halt tax on alcoholPosted Monday, September 8 2008
President Ian Khama’s close advisers are reportedly close to convincing him to abandon his crusade against alcohol because it might affect the ruling party’s performance in general elections next year, but, the proposal is unlikely to succeed given the president’s comments on Monday.
The Sunday Standard reported that President Khama is likely to abandon his quest to introduce a controversial 70 per cent levy on alcohol to punish drinkers after advice from his close confidantes.
Mr Khama announced the levy this year and vowed to increase it should it fail to curb excessive drinking. The levy was supposed to take effect last month but was deferred after a national outcry.
The paper reported that even if the levy is introduced, it will not be the original 70 per cent.
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