Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/806650

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Title
The 'alcopops' tax: heading in the right direction (editorial)
Author/Creator
Chikritzhs, Tanya N.;  Dietze, Paul M.;  Allsop, Steven J.;  Daube, Michael M.;  Hall, Wayne D.;  Kypri, Kypros
Institution
The University of Newcastle. Faculty of Health, School of Medicine and Public Health
Description
There is strong evidence that increasing the cost of alcohol reduces the overall amount that is consumed. In a range of countries, price increases have been consistently shown to reduce alcohol consumption and related harms in both the general population and at-risk populations such as young people and heavy drinkers. Conversely, price decreases have resulted in an increase in consumption and harm. In this context, the Australian Government’s April 2008 increase in excise tax (Bill introduced on 11 February 2009) on ready-to-drink (RTD) spirit-based products (RTDs; “alcopops”) is an evidence-based strategy to reduce excessive RTD consumption among young people. Further investigation is needed to determine specifically in which population group(s) the benefit accrues; for example, whether this reduction in RTD purchases occurred primarily among young drinkers (the target of the tax increase), and what other factors may have contributed to the reduction. Informed policy debate requires independent evaluations of short-term and long-term effects of these tax changes on consumption and harm indicators (eg, injuries). Nevertheless, the evidence to date is that the “alcopops” tax is a step in the right direction.
Relation
Medical Journal of Australia Vol. 190, Issue 6, p. 294-295
Relation
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/190_06_160309/contents_160309.html
Date
2009
Publisher
Australasian Medical Publishing Company
Keyword(s)
alcohol consumption;  alcoholic beverages;  taxes;  Australia;  government
Resource Type
journal article
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/806650
Identifier
ISSN:0025-729X
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Subject
"Medical Journal of Australia"
 
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