NCJ Number
194760
Date Published
2001
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This easy-to-use guide discusses the issue of increasing alcohol excise taxes to fund programs aimed at preventing and treating youth-related alcohol problems.
Abstract
Over the years, alcohol excise taxes have not kept pace with inflation and the alcohol-beverage industry lobbying firms want to keep taxes low. The last Federal adjustment was made in 1991 with State revenues lagging far behind inflation. Higher taxes would allow States to fund programs to help people with alcohol-related problems, and increase the costs of alcohol bought by young adults who tend to have less money. Some recommendations aimed to assist coalitions increase alcohol excise taxes at the community or State level are: 1) compile research statistics on this issue; 2) consider all strategies and pick the best one depending upon what makes the most sense for the community; 3) quantify the statistics and costs in human terms and organize; and 4) launch a public education campaign.