Price

Alcohol pricing is one of the most significant influences on drinking behavior, of young people and across the population. A large body of research has demonstrated that increases in alcohol prices lead to reduced alcohol consumption and related problems.

The independent, non-federal Community Preventive Services Task Force has reviewed this research literature. A summary of its findings and recommendations may be found at Community Guide - Preventing Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Increasing Alcohol Taxes.

CAMY has helped to produce several reports regarding the social and health effects of changes in state alcohol excise taxes.

• New Mexico, 2015
  This report describes the likely health and economic effects of an alcohol excise tax increase in New Mexico.

• Texas, 2015
  This report assesses the potential effects of increases in the excise taxes on beer, wine and spirits in Texas.
   
• Maryland, 2011
  This study reviewed the literature on economic, including employment, effects of alcohol excise tax increases and the implications of that literature for Maryland.
   
• Maryland, 2009
  This study provided revenue and health impact estimates for raising Maryland’s alcohol tax to the national average, by a nickel a drink, and by a dime a drink.

Use this interactive web tool to identify consumer costs and job impacts from alcohol tax increases in your state.