‘AlcoPop’ Tax to be extended

The tax on premixed alcoholic drinks is set to be extended from only spirit based drinks to those that are made from alcohol from wine or beer.

The 70% tax hike will apply to “maltalternatives” - products made from wine or beer extracted alcohols but taste like alcopops.

Health Minister, Nicola Roxon said on 24 February 2009 that she would be extending the excise increase from only pre-mixed spirit drinks.

There may be opposition to this by Family First Senator Steve Fielding, who believes that the Alcopop tax has been ineffective in reducing binge drinking.

The tax was introduced in an attempt to reduce binge drinking and has been controversial since it’s introduction, as many see it as simply a tax grab.

The outcome of the tax’s introduction will only be seen over the long term and will continue to be closely monitored by both Government and industry bodies, as well as the public.