20% tax increase on alcohol/tobacco

[TerryW]

Does anyone know anything  about the Greek Government increasing tax on alcohol and tobacco by 20%. ?   see .... http://www.rte.ie/business/2010/0108/greece.html

Also, am I right in thinking that a lot of the wine we drink in Arillas is classed as home made wine and therefore does not have tax applied to it, or is this wishful thinking.

[Sara]

I believe your right Terry, but don't quote me on that!.

I read this yesterday http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8449252.stm

Not looking good is it

Sara

[Erja]

Yep, not good news. Prime Minister George Papandreou has his work cut out with €300 million national debt and if that puts up the price of my beer, so be it. Every little helps

[Alan and Jan]

Hard to swallow (no pun intended) but the Greeks had little option. Pressurised by the EU Commission into it. Already worked out that when we are in Pefkos in May if we forego a G&T then we can stand the rise in the price of Mythos.

[coys]

Not good for Greek tourism when people are looking to book holidays on a tight. budget.

Barry.

[riggers]

arghhhhhhhhh noooooo. i will have to give up drinking.

[justphil]

Oh yes riggers, and I've got thick red hair.... I can just see you and me sat in the Nut with a lemonade and two straws! If it ever happens, our faces would be longer than the Forth Bridge!

It is a disaster though. The effect on tourism has already been mentioned by our coys. And the locals will have to become non-smoking teetotallers... And poorer.

Our sunflower PM'd me earlier, mooting the new AASD. "Arillas Addict Smokers and Drinkers club." I've already signed up as a life member (thanks for the message Connie!)

Give up drinking? Moi? My legs might start working...
Phil

[riggers]

lol phil.

[Alan and Jan]

Wouldn't be good for Greek tourism if the government didn't do anything about their economic situation.
My biggest fear is after the election in the UK. Likely to be some mighty cuts and tax hikes. Will we be able to afford to support Greek tourism?

[Sandy x]

According to The Independent today, the British deficit is worse than Greece....a net shortfall of £4.3billion in January alone.....

[JohnTheRef&Dot]

No Problem at all Terry
20% Tax on Drink and Smokes
As you know I do not partake in either

Watch out Phil you will have to take an extra plastic card with you...lol

[Janis]

We'd better not start smoking then....  But we do drink!

Janis x

[Nan]

Now if it was a tax on snorkeling that would be a problem!!

Just take it easy and love your liver


Cheers Nan x

[Janis]

Snorkelling, Nan?   No, I don't think I'll comment on that, lol!
Janis x

[Maggie]

Haven't noticed an increase on beer yet, but petrol went up 15 - 20 cents in a week!  (per litre.)