Higher taxes won't cut binge drinking

The Conservative party has promised to introduce a new booze tax to curb anti-social drinking. But pricier booze won't turn people, especially binge drinkers, off alcohol.

The Conservative party has promised to introduce a new booze tax to curb anti-social drinking. Speaking at the party's annual conference in Manchester, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling said that once in government, the Tories would increase taxes on super-strength beer, cider and alcopops to stop teenagers getting "very drunk, quickly and cheaply".

But will pricier booze really turn people, especially binge drinkers, off alcohol? Probably not.

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Jody Clarke

Jody studied at the University of Limerick and was a senior writer for MoneyWeek. Jody is experienced in interviewing, for example digging into the lives of an ex-M15 agent and quirky business owners who have made millions. Jody’s other areas of expertise include advice on funds, stocks and house prices.