U.S. alcohol affordability and real tax rates, 1950-2011.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The affordability of alcoholic beverages, determined by the relationship of prices to incomes, may be an important factor in relation to heavy drinking, but little is known about how affordability has changed over time.

Purpose

To calculate real prices and affordability measures for alcoholic beverages in the U.S. over the period from 1950 to 2011.

Methods

Affordability is calculated as the percentage of mean disposable income required to purchase 1 drink per day of the cheapest spirits, as well as popular brands of spirits, beer, and wine. Alternative income and price measures also are considered. Analyses were conducted in 2012.

Results

One drink per day of the cheapest brand of spirits required 0.29% of U.S. mean per capita disposable income in 20

SUBMITTER: Kerr WC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3631317 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature