I read the article, Despite lack of studies on health benefits, sugar-drinks set for tax (November 25), with growing incredulity. It appears that normal-sized and thin people must now be penalised because obese people are more important than they are. Intrinsic sugar in fruit juices is to be taxed the same as sugar-sweetened drinks. But why stop at fruit juices? Vegetable farmers who grow carrots, beetroot and butternut — all of which are sweet — will be penalised when stores buy fewer of their products because of the tax. Likewise, fruit farmers who grow such "unhealthy" fruit as oranges, apples and berries — all of which contain intrinsic sugar — will suffer. What about bakers, whose cakes and biscuits contain lots of sugar, as do sweets and chocolates? We are forgetting grain farmers whose customers, by their overeating of pap, definitely can put on weight. Tax them as well! Think of all the companies and jobs that can be destroyed in order to force those who lack the discipline ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.