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Duty
on Alcoholic Beverages
69.
I believe
that reducing the duty on alcoholic beverages will
help promote the development of our catering
industry, tourism and wholesale and retail alcoholic
beverage trade, thereby benefiting the community at
large. I propose that the duty rate on beer
and other types of liquor containing not more than
30 per cent of alcohol be reduced from the
current 40 per cent to 20 per cent, and
that on wine from the current 80 per cent to 40
per cent. These proposals take immediate
effect, and will cost the Government about $350
million a year.
70.
During
the Budget consultation period, some people
suggested that the Budget should be
more visionary: for instance, the duty on alcoholic
beverages should be abolished
to boost economic activities, increase employment
and promote the development of Hong Kong as the region's wine exhibition, trading and
logistics centre.
I am willing to consider this innovative idea
further if it enjoys broad community support.
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