Drinkers in a froth over beer tax

Ah, there's nothing like a good budget to get the pub crowds excited.

Lai See can well imagine the scene in places like Delaney's and Dublin Jack's yesterday, as beer-bellied regulars jockied for stools closest to the big screen.

How the cheers must have risen as Donald's face filled it, eyes sombre above his most earnest of bow ties.

As the money measures were unveiled, Hong Kong's colonial throwbacks held their collective breath.

What lay in store? What efforts would be made to preserve their way of life?

Then he said it. Extra tax was to be levied . . . on beer and ciggies.