director communications

Global Alcohol Producers Group

Higher taxation is not the solution to reducing harmful use of alcohol. There is little scientific evidence to suggest that taxation changes problematic drinking patterns that are culturally based . Focusing on the blunt measures of increased taxes and bans on sales and advertising will not stop the minority of people who engage in problem drinking as they will simply switch to cheaper or illicit products, or pay the increased price. Countries such as Sweden that have imposed higher taxes actually show greater harmful patterns of drinking. What makes a real difference are programmes targeted to problematic drinking patterns. This is where governments can really make a difference.