In contrast to the Dominican rum producers, as reported in last week’s DR1 news, the country’s beer manufacturers have welcomed the new tax law as part of the 2004 budget in which alcoholic drinks are taxed according to alcoholic grade. This new system favors the beer sector because it will lead to a reduction in the tax, while rum and other stronger liquors will be subject to a higher charge. The beer producers’ association took out full-page advertisements on Friday, applauding the government’s decision and saying that it is in keeping with international guidelines aimed at helping reduce the excessive consumption of strong alcoholic beverages. Beer sales generate RD$4.2 billion in fiscal contributions and provide 4,000 direct and 100,000 indirect jobs in the Dominican economy. Tax revenue from beer sales, which comprise 38% of total alcohol sales in the DR, has up until now been disproportionate, in that it has represented over 64% of the government’s income from taxes on alcoholic drinks.