Rudd increased tax on mixed drinks supposedly to combat binge drinking. The result has been alcop sales have dropped but spirit sales increased.
IT was meant to reduce the amount alcohol being consumed by young people, but it seems Kevin Rudd's tax on alcopops has had the opposite effect.
New figures from the Liquor Merchants Association of Australia show Mr Rudd's 70 per cent tax hike on alcopops has resulted in the more expensive RTDs (ready-to-drink products) being left on shelves, while full-strength bottles of spirits are walking out the door.
The Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia (DSICA) claims the data proves Mr Rudd's plan to tackle binge drinking has backfired. Last month, drinkers bought 30 per cent less alcopops than they did in April - before the RTD tax hike was imposed.
However sales of full-strength bottled spirits rose 46 per cent.
DSICA admits seasonal factors are at play, but is convinced the tax hike has still pushed up consumption.....
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