[NYTr] Chavez calls time on whisky boom

[All the News That Doesn't Fit]

BBC News - October 1, 2007
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7021870.stm


Chavez calls time on whisky boom

Venezuelans are to face a limit on the amount of luxury goods they can
import, says President Hugo Chavez.

He singled out the high consumption of whisky as an example of the way
consumerism was harming society.

In 2006, Venezuelans drank 106m bottles of Scotch whisky - almost four
per person, and nearly 10% of UK exports.

Mr Chavez said he was ashamed of this "excessive" consumption and would
curb importers' access to dollars for purchasing whisky and other
luxuries.

Rum idea?

Despite the president's brand of socialism, consumption of luxury goods
is on the increase, the BBC's James Ingham reports from Caracas.

A strong economy, an overvalued currency and high inflation are leading
to conspicuous spending and high demand for goods seen as status
symbols.

Speaking on his weekly television and radio show, Mr Chavez said he
would limit the amount of dollars available to importers, who have to
apply to the government to change local currency at official rates.

This measure is unlikely to affect Mr Chavez's support base, generally
the poorest people in the country, who more often drink beer and rum,
our correspondent says.

His better-off, whisky-drinking opponents, however, are likely to be
angered by the move, he adds.