Health minister wants excise tax on soft drinks

Czech Health Minister Vlastimil Válek wants to introduce a new excise tax on soft drinks before the next parliamentary elections.  According to the minister, the popular soft drinks, which are high in sugar, are having a negative impact on the health of the population, including a higher incidence of obesity among the young. The National Economic Council of the Government supports the idea and the minister says he is confident the proposed tax will be approved by both chambers of Parliament. It would make soft drinks more expensive by several crowns, depending on the amount of sugar they contain.