According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than ten million people die every year from drinking alcohol or eating an unhealthy diet. Taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks could help governments reduce these deaths, the WHO reported.
A handbook with practical tips for introducing higher alcohol excise duties was published on Tuesday. She criticizes European countries for their treatment of wine.
For beer, the consumption tax share of the best-selling brand is 17.2 percent. For the best-selling spirits this is 26.5 percent. The WHO does not mention names. She doesn’t think that’s enough. “Taxes that increase the price of alcohol by 50 percent will help prevent 21 million deaths over 50 years, a 2017 study shows,” the WHO reported.
In addition, $17 trillion (R14.9 trillion) in additional revenue would be generated over the same period. According to the WHO, there are excise taxes on alcohol in 148 countries. However, in at least 22 countries, especially in Europe, wine is excluded from this.
Taxes reduce consumption
According to the WHO, higher taxes lead to lower consumption. This prevents deaths and injuries in road traffic and reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. In addition, higher taxes provide an incentive for manufacturing companies to make healthier products.
A recent WHO-sponsored survey of 7,000 participants in Colombia, India, Jordan, Tanzania and the US found that more than 60 percent supported higher taxes on alcohol to prevent deaths. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
