Effects of Alcohol Tax and Price Policies on Morbidity and Mortality: A Systematic Review

Objectives: We conducted a systematic review of effects of alcohol taxes and prices on alcohol-related morbidity and mortality. Methods: Nine databases plus reference lists were searched for studies providing estimates of the relationship between alcohol taxes and prices and measures of risky behavior or morbidity and mortality. Effect sizes and numerous population and study characteristics were coded. Independent estimates were combined using random effects models to obtain aggregate effect estimates. Results: Fifty studies containing 340 estimates were identified. Meta-estimates were r = -0.347 for alcohol-related disease and injury outcomes, -0.022 for violence, -0.048 for suicide, -0.112 for traffic crash outcomes, -0.055 for STDs, -0.022 for other drug use, and -0.014 for crime and other misbehavior measures. All except suicide are statistically significant. Conclusions: Public policies that affect the price of alcoholic beverages have significant and substantial effects on alcohol-related disease and injury rates. Results suggest doubling the alcohol tax would be associated, on average, with a 35% reduction in alcohol-related mortality, 11% reduction in traffic crash deaths, 6% reduction in STDs, 2% reduction in violence, and a 1.4% reduction in crime.