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News
German alcopop tax fails to stop teens drinking
A tax on alcopops designed to reduce consumption levels by teenagers in Germany might only have served to change their drinking habits rather than help them drink less, according to a new study.
The country imposed the tax in 2004, which nearly doubled retail prices of alcopops in an attempt to dissuade under-age teenagers from buying the drinks.
Data from the European School Survey Project taken before and after the tax was brought in has led scientists at the Institut für Therapieforschung (IFT) in Germany to conclude that while the tax did clearly work to reduce the popularity of alcopops among young people age 12-17, it might have only served to encourage them to buy other drinks, such as spirits and beer.
The scientists used statistical techniques including multiple regression analysis and multinomial logistic regression, to assess changes in alcohol consumption and preferences.
The data they collected showed that consumption of spirits increased after the alcopops tax was introduced, leading them to conclude that the tax was not a complete success.
They said the positive impact of the tax on alcopop drinking among adolescents was countered by an increase in consumption of other drinks, including some such as spirits that may be associated with more dangerous consumption patterns.
The IFT has now called for more wide-ranging alcohol policies that do not target just one particular type of drink.
“Effective alcohol policies to prevent alcohol related problems among adolescents should focus upon the reduction of total alcohol consumption instead of regulating singular beverages,” said an IFT statement.
The news could have interesting repercussions in the UK, where the previous government tried to introduce a 10% above inflation tax-hike on cider in an effort to reduce harmful consumption and the new government has pledged to “review alcohol taxation and pricing to ensure it tackles binge drinking without unfairly penalising responsible drinkers, pubs and important local industries.”
Alan Lodge, 09.06.2010