liquor

Bars in Central are eagerly waiting for customers as the city has been reviving its night economy ever since the pandemic. The government has launched a series of campaigns to boost spending and consumption at night, including a recent tax cut on imported liquor. John Kerwin Alanis, tender of Shop B- A Little Lab, is wiping the glasses to prepare for a new day. “Before the pandemic, at this time, people would fill my spot, ” said Alanis. No people visited the shop yet, he remained smiling while wiping the counter, “But things are getting better this year.” In mid-October, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong John-Lee Kachiu said in 2024’s policy address that the tax targeting importing liquor, referring to alcohol containing alcohol by volume (ABV) above 30%, was slashed to 10% from 100% for the portion above importing price $200, while the duty for portions below $200 remained the same. The movement aimed at “promoting the liquor trade and boosting the development of high value-added industries, including logistics and storage, tourism and high-end food and beverage consumption,” said Lee. Hong Kong experienced “cold winters” in retail and consumption in the post-pandemic era. The reduced tax was viewed as another effort to boost the local economy, though its effectiveness remains unclear. The bar and restaurant sector is one of the hardest hit by the pandemic in Hong Kong. According to the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, total bar revenue in the second quarter of this year was nearly HK$340 million, a drop of about 25% compared with the same period in 2019. “For us, we are getting the same prices from wholesalers for liquor so far, ” said Jimmy Singh, bar owner of ACED. “No difference at all. But if I can get lower prices, I will sell …