The MMA supports a 10-cent per drink increase in the tax on beer, wine and spirits as well as future tax increases to keep pace with inflation.
An alcohol tax increase will not only reduce overall morbidity, but increasing the cost of alcohol will reduce underage drinking -- especially binge drinking. Funds should be used for prevention, treatment and public safety services related to alcohol abuse.
The MMA additionally supports adequate reimbursement for chemical dependency and alcohol treatments in the clinical setting, reducing the blood alcohol standard from .10 to .05, curbing youth access to alcohol, maintaining a legal drinking age no lower than 21, and other economic interventions to reduce alcohol consumption.
To see all MMA policies related to alcohol and alcoholism/chemical dependency, click here.