Alcohol to cost double in Qatar from today, following implementation of ‘excise tax’
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.
in my own opinion, i think 30% would have been fair.
Qatar tourism is growing,
Depriving residence and tourist from taking alcohol would definitely have negative impact on the tourism aspect,
the government should have take a study of how clubs and bar were always filled up before the increment, then go check it presently, sales dropping, people don't go to the bar any more, tourists don't really enjoy their stay based on high price alcohol and this will also affect staffs working in bars, clubs & QDC Bcos lows sales will definitely lead to unpaid salaries.
The government should kindly reconsider.
Thanks
what about airport Duty free? is the same or also increase!
Anything will be bad if it is not under control. If the Govt, need to be big brother, it seems we are still not in control and need someone on top of us with a stick. In this case Sin Tax, ha ha ha.
Wonder how does QA feel about this, sure their revenues will fall.
Reading the comments, makes me curious.
Are people daft or naive?
You mean to say, Muslims don't drink? Would be surprising to have the stats in Qatar itself, anyone visited Bahrain, who makes up the majority at the bar or night club? Get facts here in Qatar as well.
Why do most visit Europe or Americas? Cummon folks, wake up.
With the 2022 approaching, fun fun fun I say. or the pricing for Booze may be not applicable in the fan zones.
Better It should be banned in Qatar {pork & Alcohol }, simply increasing price not a good sense.better to QDC should be shutdown.
That is a great initiative! For those "shooting in the dark" just because the tax on alcohol is doubled:
1) Fuel tax will definitely rise as soon as the public transport (Rail) is ready to operate. So for now, reducing fuel price by 25% is more than fair (in my opinion).
2) Alcohol is not banned in Qatar, yet, the country still holds the freedom to impose 200% tax on any poisonous or unhealthy stuff. As far as I am aware, the majority of alcohol consumers come from countries with high Income tax, yet, there's no income tax or vat in Qatar yet.
After reading the comments section it was untold the health hazards caused by carbonated drinks.
Doha is one of the most polluted cities in the world. Cars should be banned from the city IF they were serious. But, of course, they are not.
Nothing logical about this. Its not health driven, (otherwise why include pork and carbonated water), presumably it doesn't affect Muslims anyway, its not a clever strategy with tourism growth aspirations, and, as has been suggested before, do FIFA know? So, either its a step backwards in tolerance, or a start to milking world cup visitors hoping the world will forget you need a mortgage fo a drink before 2022.
An odd decision whilst "Sinners" are still needed to support 2030 vision.
Please No, the VAT was for Cigarettes and sugar drinks, they've never mentioned Alcoholic drinks too .
Alcoholic drinks already were expensive compared with it's official prices and with other countries's prices .
Also while you're at it, add 100% tax on fast food since its unhealthy. Possibly 200% on fuel, since it impacts climate negatively.
This should be interesting when the WC starts..almost laughable
It should be banned, increasing cost will not stop them from drinking.