Consumers, businesses voice mixed views on sales tax hike next year

Japanese consumers and businesses showed a mixed response to the government's decision Monday to lift the consumption tax rate to 10 percent in October next year as planned, with some understanding the need to restore fiscal health and others concerned over the impact on the economy.The retail and some other sectors voiced wariness about possible confusion at stores, as the government will keep the tax rate on daily necessities such as food and drinks, excluding at eateries and on alcoholic beverages, at the current 8 percent."The tax rise will affect my living but it can't be helped if it'…READ FULL ARTICLE