Monitor The
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Volume 4, Thursday November 27th, 2008
Alcopop tax failing T
By Zak Zeptner
he Government’s tax on alcopop drinks to combat youth drinking habits is failing miserably, conversations with local teenagers reveal.
SA Great Awards Casey Potts was awarded the Adelaide Showground Youth Award and Kristina Meredith, on behalf of the Environment forum, who were absent from the ceremony, received the SA Water Science and Sustainability Award. Story on Page 3
The Monitor hit the streets to discover exactly what effect the tax increase has had on teenage drinking and the results are revealing. Conversations with Roxby Downs youth revealed the Government’s initiative has had little effect on changing teenage drinking habits. Teenagers appear to mix their drinks in as many different ways as there are alcoholic beverages, contradicting many statements and reports released by the Government. The youth of Roxby seem to enjoy all types of alcoholic drinks, including beer, alcopops and spirits, raising the question of whether the Government’s tax on alcopop drinks is achieving anything other than raising a new tax. When asked if the tax increase had deterred teenagers from purchasing RTDs, the response was simple: no. “It’s just easier getting premixed drinks,” commented a local youth. “I don’t buy as many as I used to but I mostly drink beer anyway,” said another. In fact, a local 13-year-old youth said he only drank beer, not alcopops, seeming to contradict the statement of the Federal Health Minister that youth do not like the taste of beer. Many alcohol drinkers were outraged to learn of the 70 percent tax increase on premixed alcoholic beverages, or alcopops, earlier this year, which raised prices to above $10 a pop. Australia has the highest per capita consumption of alcopop drinks in the world, consuming an average of 15.7 million litres a year, compared to 7.7 million in New Zealand and just 2.1 million litres in the US. Both the Roxby Downs Tavern and Community Club believe the tax increase has had a severe impact on pub and clubs, with a decrease in sales of the ever popular alcopops, or Ready to Drink (RTD) beverages. While some may say this is exactly what the tax increase is supposed to do, many argue most teenagers who drink are underage and therefore do not obtain their alcohol from licensed venues. Roxby Downs Tavern Assistant Manager Jared Helm says there has been a decrease in sales of RTDs because patrons do not wish to pay so much for them. “When you say to someone it’s $12 for a can of Jack Daniels they cringe and it only takes one time to understand it’s a stupid move, so now they’re buying glasses of Jacks and Coke and beers and the like,” said Mr Helm. Why someone would pay over ten dollars for a premixed can when they can purchase a glass of virtually the same drink for almost half the price is a question many are asking. Roxby Downs Community Club Manager Steve Ellard is of the same opinion, saying purchases of RTDs decreased dramatically at the beginning of the tax increase and, while they have started to increase sales again, it is nowhere near the level it used to be. “People just don’t want to pay the price,” said Mr Ellard. Both Mr Helm and Mr Ellard believe the Government is going about the prevention of teenage drinking the wrong way. “They did it to stop kids drinking but now they’re just going out and buying a $40 bottle of Jim Beam and drinking it straight so in my opinion, it’s doing a worse thing rather than a good thing,” said Mr Helm. Therein the issue is raised that there has not actually been a change in the amount of alcohol consumed, merely the method of drinking has changed. Mr Ellard also believes the Government is targeting the wrong group. “They are targeting teenagers but teens don’t drink those drinks, not up here at least. “I’ve got teenage kids, I know what they drink and they don’t drink that stuff.” Similarly, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare says there is no evidence to suggest binge drinking has increased as a result of alcopops. The Government, however, remains steadfast in its decision.
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