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Hike Booze Tax to Save Lives: Study

Alaskan fatalities from alcohol-related diseases plunged when levy was raised

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 15, 2008 3:52 AM CST

(Newser) – Higher liquor taxes may reduce deaths related to alcohol consumption, the Chicago Tribune reports. A new study examined Alaska’s alcohol tax rates over a 30-year period in conjunction with deaths from alcohol-related diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver. When taxes were raised, such deaths decreased by as much as 29%.

Higher taxes are also cheaper to implement than alcohol-rehabilitation programs or clinics, the researchers point out. “The simple fact is that if you raise alcohol taxes, you save lives,” one said. “It's a simple adjustment that has a very, very low cost, and it has a significantly larger effect than any of these preventions we've tried.”

Higher liquor taxes correlated with fewer alcohol-related deaths in a study by University of Florida scientists.
Higher liquor taxes correlated with fewer alcohol-related deaths in a study by University of Florida scientists.   (AP Photo)
A 30-year study found that when Alaska raised its taxes on booze, alcohol-related deaths dropped as much as 29%.
A 30-year study found that when Alaska raised its taxes on booze, alcohol-related deaths dropped as much as 29%.   (AP Photo)
Bottles of beer move down a conveyor at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis.
Bottles of beer move down a conveyor at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Mr.C
Nov 15, 2008 10:24 PM CST
be more laconic
Guest
Nov 15, 2008 12:15 AM CST
So to bring this further , why don't we eliminate alchol and all our problems will go away! Oh , thats right we tried that. Your own Chicago Boy Big Al Capone thought it was a great idea. People who die from cirrhosis of the liver are like heroin addicts they don't care what it costs they want it and will have it. At the expense of other things little things like food,clothing shelter. I am sure as they are not included in this, another Propaganda posing as a study. I ask who paid for the study some public funds ? If so it was in part paid for with the existing taxes on alcohol so called "sin" taxes . Well lets stop the propaganda studies as they aim to legislate social change to a group. I would these studies are skewed and I wonder lets do a study in court is using public $ like this Taxation without Representation ? Provided by the Constitution? Did the study include the economy during that time,the weather,world politics,9/11,food costs,medical costs and availability, the mental health of these people? If drug & So many variables. No I am sure nothing went into this study that would screw up the expected outcome. I ask the authors Were you surprised at the results. Right I thought not . These people have a disease and they need help. How much of the taxes on Cigarettes and alcohol go to treatments,prevention cure ? I would bet my paycheck it is under 10 % of the take. So if you get what you want they these politicians will be raising your taxes on something else. Then America will shine ,
 

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