13 Aug 2009

Australia approves big tax on alcopops

8:13 pm on 13 August 2009

A tax increase of 70% on pre-mixed drinks, or alcopops, has passed into law in Australia.

The tax will rise from $A39 to $A66, the ABC website reports.

The Labor Government wanted the law to reduce binge-drinking among young people, but its opponents have labelled it a tax grab.

Distillers say it does nothing to reduce binge-drinking levels.

The legislation was passed on its second attempt in the Senate with the support of the Liberal opposition but not the Nationals.