Spring Break
Rise in alcohol taxes could save lives
Gina Akers, Daily Vidette Reporter
Issue date: 11/19/08 Section: News
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The study tracked the number of deaths quarterly in Alaska from 1976 to 2004. After an alcohol tax increase in 1993, alcohol-related deaths dropped by a staggering 29 percent. When the state raised the taxes again in 2002, the number dropped an additional 11 percent.
"There's research where [raising alcohol taxes] has worked, it has helped," Jim Almeda, health educator at Student Health Services, said.
The study looked at the number of deaths caused by alcohol, such as alcohol poisoning and alcohol liver disease, as well as deaths linked to alcohol, such as chronic pancreatitis and cirrhosis. Alcohol-related car accidents or violence that resulted in deaths were not included.
The deaths recorded in Alaska were compared with data from other states to manage nationwide factors like advanced medical care and population growth. Researchers found 23 less deaths per year after a 1983 tax increase and 21 less deaths per year after a tax hike in 2002.
Although taxes on alcohol are statewide, local governments can implement their own taxes. In 1994, the Town of Normal imposed a four percent liquor tax. Bloomington did not tax liquor until the Food and Beverage Act of 2003 required restaurants and bars to collect a two percent tax on alcoholic beverages.
Chris Cutler, owner of Budget Liquors in Normal, said that when Normal had an alcohol tax and Bloomington did not, consumers started going to Bloomington to buy their alcohol.
"Increasing taxes is discriminating against a certain consumer group," Cutler said. "I'm definitely opposed and it's proven to be ineffective. The amount of alcohol consumed hasn't gone down, just shifted."
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Ed
posted 11/18/08 @ 8:48 PM CST
Raising taxes as a way of deterring alcohol use. Only a government entity, or one supported by tax dollars could come up with that one. I wonder if the people doing the study looked at the number of people who quit drinking and turned to drugs?? Doubt it. (Continued…)
C.G.
posted 11/19/08 @ 6:10 AM CST
I agree with you Ed. The politicians see dollar signs. Using programs and upping police enforcement just costs money, but if they tax alcohol they can line their treasury all they like from it. (Continued…)
Aaron
posted 11/19/08 @ 3:46 PM CST
If people weren't buying alcohol during the weekdays then I think it would be different. It all depends on the person and judging by this picture, the store is clearly not busy and it must be a weekday. (Continued…)
Lance
posted 11/19/08 @ 7:14 PM CST
"They ran out of Captain Morgan, so I settle for Bud Light" says an upset Kendrick. "I have noticed, while drinking Bud Light, my black outs have dropped a staggering 29%. (Continued…)
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