Coalition parties considering new excise duty on sugary drinks

Most parties in the Czech governing coalition are considering the introduction of a new excise duty on high-sugar drinks, Czech Television reported on Tuesday.

The move has been proposed to politicians by the health group of the government's NERV economic council. It said the measure could reduce the consumption of unhealthy drinks and thus help fight obesity or other diseases of civilisation.

The drinks that would be affected by the tax include not just sugary sodas but also juices and energy drinks. The introduction of such a measure could bring nearly CZK 3 billion a year into state coffers.