Gott nytt år!

There is not really a new blog post this week. It was my 65th birthday yesterday, which may explain my lack of enthusiasm for writing. I will recover by next week, when I have gotten used to the new set of aches and pains. In the meantime, if you haven’t looked at last week’s post, then you should (Hangovers — is there anything to be done?).

As one piece of news, I will point out that the Swedish government has now increased the tax on alcohol and tobacco, as a New Year present for its citizens (More expensive beer, wine, spirits and tobacco from the turn of the year). It is claimed that this is in order to reduce consumption and promote public health. However, the tax on tobacco has increased by 3%, and that on wine and beer by 4%, while the tax on spirits increased by only 1%. So, it is doubtful that this has anything to do with reducing unhealthy behavior! It is more likely that it has to do with the idea that the increases are expected to bring in one billion kronor (100 million USD) more to the government in 2023.

The government has promised us another set of tax increases for New Year 2024 — 8% for beer and wine, and 1% on spirits and tobacco. So, you have to give them credit for the consistency of their attacks on wine appreciation.