WHO calls for higher taxes on alcohol

Up the Ante: WHO Pushes for Alcohol Taxes to Save Lives and Boost Revenues

The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging governments to increase taxes on alcohol to prevent a staggering ten million annual deaths linked to unhealthy diets and booze, as reported in Geneva. In a handbook outlining practical measures for implementing steeper alcohol taxes, the WHO criticizes European countries for their light-touch approaches to wine.

Why should we care about alcohol taxes? According to a 2017 WHO study, a 50% price bump on alcohol could inspire 21 million lives saved over five decades and generate an additional 17 trillion dollars (15.7 trillion euros) in revenues. Though excise duties on alcohol exist in 148 countries, wine remains exempt in at least 22, mainly in Europe.

So, why are higher alcohol taxes such a big deal? The WHO explains that increased taxes encourage lower consumption, reducing the risk of alcohol-related illnesses, accidents, and injuries. They also incentivize manufacturers to produce healthier options. In a recent WHO-funded survey, over 60% of participants from Colombia, India, Jordan, Tanzania, and the United States backed the idea of higher taxes on alcohol to prevent diseases.

Now, let me spin it with some enrichment insights:

1. Taxation as a Health Protector: Boosting alcohol taxes isn't just a revenue-generation measure. It’s also an effective tool for fighting against public health crises. Higher alcohol taxes can lead to a decreased alcohol consumption rate, contributing to a reduction in the incidence of non-communicable diseases and alcohol-related harm.
2. Balancing Act: Establishing the right alcohol price and tax balance is crucial. A tax on high-priced alcohol can help curb excessive consumption while preserving the competitiveness of low-alcohol beverages. Subsequently, a taxation system anchored on inflation can assure economic stability, allowing industries to plan in the long run.
3. Public Health Initiatives: Successful alcohol tax policies can direct additional revenue towards investing in public health programs, research, and other beneficial initiatives. For instance, in New Mexico, a proposed 6% sales tax on alcoholic drinks is projected to fund alcohol and substance abuse research and aid the state's Indian Affairs Department.

In conclusion, the WHO's call for higher taxes on alcohol is a multi-pronged approach, focusing on concerns related to public health, revenue generation, and social stability. Alcohol taxes have the potential to save lives, generate revenue, and promote a balanced and healthy society.