The government’s plans to raise excise duties on alcoholic beverages would have little effect on curbing alcohol abuse.
The government’s plans to raise excise duties on alcoholic beverages would have little effect on curbing alcohol abuse, South African Breweries (SAB) said on Friday.
Discussions between the Treasury and the drinks industry started last month over increases to the benchmark level for excise duties levied on beer, wine and spirits.
In his February budget, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said a consultation process to raise the benchmarks would start this year, partly out of a need to curb abuse.
“While an increase in excise may have a short-term impact on overall consumption, alcohol abuse will not decline,” SAB spokeswoman Robyn Chalmers said. > > > >
