Similarly figures from the National Tax office also showed a 54% decrease in RTD sales while there was only a 7% increase in the sales of Spirits. These data clearly show that 'alcopops' Tax is the right way to control the growing underage alcohol consumption in Australia. [Tanya N. Chikritzhs, (2009)] Conclusion

Australia suffers from one of the highest levels of underage alcohol consumption in the world and consequently there is high loss of life and rising health care costs. This could be attributed to aggressive marketing strategy employed by the beverage industry and the lack of financial funding for implementation of programs that encourage healthy lifestyle choices. A serious approach to the problem is of immediate concern. Creating more awareness and encouraging parental participation in healthy life style programs should be considered. From the government perspective, the excise tax regulations introduced in 2008 should certainly be welcomed as a step in the right direction in our efforts to control the underage drinking and associated injuries and other health risk behaviors.

Skov (2009), 'Alcohol taxation policy in Australia: public health imperatives for Action', retrieved Aug 25th 2010 from, http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/190_08_200409/sko10279_fm.html
3) Tanya N. Chikritzhs, Paul M. Dietze, Steven J. Allsop Et.al (2009), ' The "alcopops" tax: heading in the right direction' MJA; 190 (6): 294-295 http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/190_08_200409/sko10279_fm.html

4) Collins T & Lapsley H (2008) The cost of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug abuse to Australian Society in 2004-2005 Summary Version, National Drug Strategy Monograph Series No. 66. Canberra: Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing

5) Todd A Harper and Gavin Mooney, (2010), 'Prevention before profits: a levy on food and alcohol advertising', MJA; 192 (7): 400-402