Alcohol industry and government revenue derived from underage drinking by Australian adolescents 2005

Addict Behav. 2009 Jan;34(1):75-81. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2008.09.006. Epub 2008 Sep 17.

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to estimate the revenue gained from consumption of alcohol by adolescents for each beverage type for the year 2005.

Design: Secondary analysis of self-reported alcohol use in the 2005 Australian Secondary School Surveys Alcohol and Drug Use.

Setting: Australia.

Findings: Over 506,000 adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years (29% of all Australian adolescents) consumed approximately 175.69 million standard drinks in 2005. The total revenue generated by the consumption of these beverages was estimated to be $218 million, of which the government received approximately $107 million or 49% in taxation revenue. Total revenue per underage drinker is estimated at $430.84 with revenue increasing with age. Males tend to spend more on spirits and beer while females spend more on pre-mixed spirits. Females aged 12-15 years spend around $121 per year (or 50% of total expenditure) on pre-mixed spirits compared to females aged 16-17 years old that spend around $257 per year (or 62% of total expenditure) on pre-mixed spirits.

Conclusions: The Australian government and the alcohol industry receive substantial financial benefit from the sale of alcoholic beverages to under age drinkers.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Alcohol Drinking / economics*
  • Alcohol Drinking / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Alcohol Drinking / prevention & control
  • Alcoholic Beverages / economics*
  • Australia
  • Child
  • Commerce / statistics & numerical data
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Female
  • Health Policy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sex Factors
  • Taxes*