Table 2.
TOPICS AND QUESTIONS USED IN INTERVIEWS AND FOCUS-GROUP DISCUSSIONS. AN “X” INDICATES THAT A PARTICULAR QUESTION WAS POSED TO A PARTICULAR GROUP OF RESPONDENTSQuestions Policy
makers
Food importers
Retailers Restaurant/
fast-food outlet owners
Consumers CSOs
Policy process and context
How familiar are you with the process involved in the development and adoption of this policy? (Follow-up question for those who have been involved: Please elaborate on how the tax was developed)
X X
How does this policy fit into the bigger policy picture in Tonga? X X
What alternative policy options were considered (if any), instead
of the fat tax? (Follow-up: Why was the fat tax selected?) X X
Were there any barriers to the introduction of this tax? Give details. X X
Policy impact
What are the expected impacts of this policy? [Prompts: i) economic impact, ii) social impact, iii) environmental impact]
In relation to different groups i. Children and adolescents ii. Adults and elderly iii. Private sector
iv. Different socio-economic groups
X X
What mechanisms have been put in place to monitor the
effectiveness of the tax? X
Has there been any evaluation of impact since its
implementation? If yes, what were the findings? X Do you know of any anecdotal evidence that suggests the tax
is changing the way people buy/sell/prepare foods? X X X
How has the policy affected you as an individual/ business
owner/ policymaker? X X X X X X
Do you have any data regarding the amount from the tax
increase passed on to the consumers? (Per food item) X X X X X
What is your perspective on the timing of tax adoption and
its potential to achieve the intended effect? X X
What media coverage did the tax receive? (Follow-up
question: In which media? (Prompt also for social media) X X X X X X
Policy enforcement, monitoring, evaluation and sustainability Can you comment on the compliance and enforcement of
this particular tax? X
Was a monitoring and evaluation plan put in place to assess
the policy impact? X
Do you know what the tax revenues will be used for? X X X X X X
Are any supporting policies/programmes planned, to support the fat tax? Example: to increase the availability or affordability of healthier food substitutes.
X
Are there consumer awareness programmes and other health promotion/advocacy programs that complement the tax?
(Can ask policymakers if any are planned)
X X X X X X
Questions Policy
makers Food
importers Retailers Restaurant/
fast-food outlet owners
Consumers CSOs
Personal reactions to the tax
Are you aware of this tax? (Check what they know) X X X X
How did you first get to know about this tax? X X X X X
Why do you think this tax was introduced? X X X X X
Which foods have you noticed going up in price since the tax
was introduced? X X X X X
Has this tax affected the way you buy/sell or prepare food?
If yes, how? X X X X X X
Have you substituted any particular food you used to buy
with others? Which ones? X X X X X X
Do you buy less of any particular foods because of this tax?
Which foods? (Follow up question: if the food is quantifiable, try to get an idea of the quantity, per day/week/month. e.g.
two fewer cans per week).
X X X X X X
Do you buy more of any particular foods because of this tax?
Which foods? X X X X X X
Has this tax affected your other expenses? Which ones? How? X X X X X X
Do you think the changes you have made have been for the
better or for the worse? Why? X X X X X X
In your opinion, will this tax help to make Tongans healthier/
eat healthier foods? Why? X X X X X
If you have cut down on fatty foods, what was your main reason for doing so? (Choose one of the following: price increase; health consciousness; both; other)
X X X X X X
In your opinion, is it easier/cheaper to find healthy foods such as fish, fruit, vegetables, legumes and root crops, since the tax was introduced?
X X X X X
What else is needed, to help Tongans eat healthier food and
live healthier lives? X X X X X X
In your opinion, what should the government use the
revenues from this tax for? X X X X X
Number of questions 25 20 20 20 20 25
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