Fed: Alcopops dollars in limbo

AAP General News (Australia)
08-29-2008
Fed: Alcopops dollars in limbo

The federal government says the opposition's stance on the new alcopop tax could mean
that taxes paid by consumers could end up going straight to the alcohol industry.

Prime Minister KEVIN RUDD says the 300-million dollars already raised by the new tax
will go back to the manufacturers if the Senate blocks the alcopops laws .. which is looking
likely.

Mr RUDD is using that possibility to try to bludgeon opposition senators into passing the laws.

The Liberals say the industry must not get the money .. and the alcopops makers say
they don't it.

The government increased the tax on alcopops by 70 per cent in April .. saying the
move would help stamp out teen binge-drinking .. but the opposition opposes the move ..

saying it's just a tax grab.

AAP RTV ca/jlw/ibw

KEYWORD: ALCOPOPS (CANBERRA)

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