The global movement fostered by the World Health Organization to tax carbonated soft drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks has arrived to the Dominican Republic. Deputy Juan Carlos Quiñones (PLD-Puerto Plata) has drafted a bill that would levy a 20% tax on the sale of these drinks. The bill explains the intention is to discourage the consumption of drinks with added sugar. Over-consumption of sugar is a major contributor to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.
But the Dominican Association of Industries (AIRD) says that the tax would affect an industry that today employs more than 42,000 people nationwide. Circe Almanzar, executive director of the AIRD, says the manufacturers employ 4,800 people with wages of more than RD$2.2 billion. Indirect jobs that would be affected are around 38,000, with wages of more than RD$11 billion.
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World Health Organization
Diario Libre
22 June 2017
