Assessing State Readiness to Act on Alcohol Tax Research Findings

Publication Date:

Publisher: HBSA, Inc.

Author(s): C. Tremper; J.F. Mosher

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Abstract:

Research indicates that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol consumption and associated negative consequences. Policies that increase consumption, such as expanded hours of sale, have a negative impact on public health. Researchers assessed the readiness of individual states to incorporate research findings into alcohol tax policy. They collected secondary data for all states and the District of Columbia and collected survey, interview and observation data from states targeted as most likely to consider alcohol tax research findings. The research identified multiple factors that increase the likelihood of the alcohol tax issue appearing on state legislative agendas. The strongest finding is that alcohol tax research findings will only influence state alcohol policy if a state needs to raise taxes for financial reasons. The research indicated that public health benefits, in the absence of a state budget deficit, are not sufficient incentive for a state to raise alcohol taxes. Additional factors include the strength of advocacy groups, availability of advocacy funds, existence of a strong lobbyist and of legislative champions and the alcohol industry's political strength, among others. The alcohol tax issue is complicated and legislatures may require expert assistance to analyze a proposal. The research also indicates broad public support for alcohol policies based on research findings and for increases in alcohol taxes, even in an anti-tax era, particularly if used for public health and safety programs. The authors conclude that, as a result of state budget deficits and other factors, the issue of alcohol taxes is likely to remain on state legislative agendas for some time.