By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Minister of Health yesterday said he has "not wavered" on his recommendation for a consumption tax to be imposed on the fast-food industry, but such a policy move is "not imminent".

Dr Duane Sands told Tribune Business: "No, that's not something that's imminent. Certainly the whole policy approach has to be developed. I'm for it, but in the conversation of Value-Added Tax (VAT) and so forth, any tax no matter how well intended or beneficial is going to get the cut eye.

"We are going to have to be very circumspect on what we do and how we do it. I have not wavered on my position however."

Bahamian fast food franchise operators, when the idea was mulled back in April, slammed the idea of such a tax as an "unnecessary financial burden" on Bahamian families that will do nothing to curb the obesity crisis.

Terry Tsavoussis, vice-president of Aetos Holdings, which operates the Wendy's, Marco's Pizza and Popeyes franchises, told Tribune Business that the sector - and business in general - was "taxed enough already".

The Wendy's principal argued that taxing the fast food industry would do little to curb obesity in the Bahamas, and merely force franchises to raise their prices. "I don't think it's the answer to fighting obesity. Something like that will affect all quick service businesses," he said.

Ash Henderson, director of marketing for Restaurant Services, the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), Burger King and Dunkin Donuts franchise operator, told Tribune Business at the time: "We respect the Minister's concerns and his advocating for healthy eating habits. That is why we offer a range of healthy and affordable options in our restaurants, including vegetarian options, salads and wraps, and healthy sides in our kid's meals.

"We do, however, feel that a fast food tax is an unnecessary financial burden on hard-working Bahamian families, and that there are alternative ways to encourage a balanced diet."