Is the "alcopops" tax working? Probably yes but there is a bigger picture

Abstract

• The Australian Government's decision to raise taxes on readyto- drink spirit-based beverages (RTDs; "alcopops") in 2008 caused great controversy. Interest groups have selectively cited evidence to support their points of view. • The alcohol industry cited Victorian data from the Australian Secondary Students' Alcohol and Drug Survey (ASSADS) as evidence that the tax had failed, but closer examination of the data suggests that fewer students are drinking, and fewer are drinking at risky or high-risk levels. • Excise data from the first full year after the tax came into effect showed a more than 30% reduction in RTD sales and a 1.5% reduction in total pure alcohol sold in Australia. • Althou..