estimates are suggesting that the "tax holiday" will cost the government, and it's ability to deliver social services, around 1.6 billion dollars.

i can't imagine that's the case. nobody is going to save $40-50 on beer and popcorn.

a better estimate is probably in the 400-500 million dollar range.

given the massive headache and extra costs this is going to force businesses to incur, the rebate was probably the better approach. everybody - businesses, governments and individuals - could have better absorbed this by mailing everybody a $20 check instead.

not $200. $20. that's a better estimate.