www.alkoholpolitik.ch

Alcohol may soon come with a new kind of high. It’s not stronger proof. It’s a higher tax.
Alex DeMetrick reports supporters of a “Dime a Drink Tax” think they have a shot at making it happen in Maryland. If you like to pull a cork, you might pay an extra 10 cents for every glass. It’s called the “Dime a Drink Tax,” and it would hit all alcoholic drinks, if Maryland’s legislature approves it this year. For supporters like health care providers, this may be a good thing. “Alcohol excise tax is a win-win for the state. They provide much needed revenue, and reduce alcohol consumption and related problems,” said David Jernigan, Johns Hopkins professor.
“Some 44 percent of Marylanders do not drink. They will pay no tax,” said Jernigan. The “Dime a Drink Tax” could raise $215 million in new revenue. For light to moderate drinkers, the tax would amount to only $10.83 per year. The last time Maryland raised the tax on alcohol was in 1972. (Source: Google Alcohol News, 01/04/11) baltimore.cbslocal.com, 01/04/11 our Online-Comment: Everybody should understand that:
– We are all passive drinkers, as the World Health Organization tells us. We suffer under reduced life quality and pay the whole life long terrific amounts for social costs because of alcohol.
– Alcohol taxes are very low and do not cover the social costs. By inflation it gets always cheaper. Since 1972!
– Higher prices mean less harm from alcohol, less social costs: savings.
– Those who drink moderately or not at all have the most profit. No or little more taxes and the lot of profit.
– Taxes should be combined with inflation anualy.