Qatar, in a bid to wean people off harmful, addictive substances, had increased the prices of cigarettes, energy drinks and carbonated beverages effective today.
And now, authorities have gone one step further by introducing a 100% ‘excise tax’ on alcoholic beverages, thus effectively doubling their prices, reported Channel News Asia.
Qatar had earlier announced an increase in the prices of cigarettes and energy drinks by 100% and soft drinks by 50%.
Qatar Distribution Company, which is the sole distributor of alcoholic beverages in the country, had sent out a circular to its users informing them of the new tax. They had also provided them with the new charges for beverages.
A list of new beverage prices had been widely circulated on social media. When AFP asked a government spokesman about whether the file was accurate, he had replied in the affirmative.
While public drinking is banned in Qatar, it is legal to buy alcohol in the country and visit licensed bars.
Qatar is set to establish a brand new General Tax Authority (GTA), which will be a separate entity under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance. The GTA will be in charge of the implementation of all tax laws.
