Jan. 25 – Vietnam will impose a new special consumption tax of 45 percent on beer and other alcoholic drinks until 2012.

The General Department of Taxation announced that beer and spirits higher than 40 proof will slapped a 45 percent tax and 50 percent afterward. Alcohol with less than 40 proof will be meted a lower tax of 25 percent.

Previously, wine labeled less than 40 proof was charged a 20 percent tax and stronger drinks were charged a 30 percent to 65 percent tax. Vietnam has been imposing high tax rates on alcohol in the past years. For 2006-2007, beer was taxed 30 percent and 40 percent to 75 percent for 2008-2009.