Overview

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments globally to increase taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks, stating that current tax rates are too low.
• According to the WHO, 2.6 million people die annually from alcohol consumption and 8 million from unhealthy diets. Higher taxes could reduce these figures by discouraging consumption and encouraging healthier product development.
• The WHO argues that increased taxes would not only promote public health but also generate government revenue for public services.
• Opponents of these taxes argue they disproportionately affect poorer communities and represent government interference in consumer choices.
• A 2013 study found that a small increase in alcohol tax could significantly reduce alcohol-related mortality and other societal issues, such as traffic deaths and crime.