Proposed Policy Challenges Alcohol Levy’s Impact
A recent government proposal allowing 24-hour operation for bars and liquor stores is drawing scrutiny from public health experts. These experts suggest the policy could undermine progress achieved through Botswana’s Alcohol Levy, introduced to mitigate excessive drinking.
The Alcohol Levy’s Origins and Achievements
Former president Ian Khama introduced the Alcohol Levy with the dual goals of curbing alcohol misuse and funding social initiatives. Since its inception, the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) has collected over P4 billion through the levy.
These funds have supported various programs, including addiction treatment services, road safety campaigns, and broader community health projects. The levy has been a significant financial tool for addressing alcohol-related societal challenges.
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