title: [Socioeconomic significance of alcohol].
abstract: This paper evaluates production and consumption of alcohol from an economic point of view. The economic rationale for public policies towards alcohol in a market system is discussed at the outset. Economic costs and benefits of alcohol consumption are then assessed. Three alternatives for taxing alcohol with a special excise tax are presented. The main results of a cost-benefit study of the treatment of chronic alcoholics in Switzerland are reported. Finally, some conclusions are drawn regarding public policy in this field.
authors.affiliation: Volkswirtschaftliches Institut der Universität Bern.
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Leu
mesh_terms: D000434:Alcoholic Beverages / Q000191:economics*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006801:Humans; D012940:Social Problems / Q000191:economics*; D013557:Switzerland; D013660:Taxes / Q000191:economics
vernacular_title: Betrachtungen zur volkswirtschaftlichen Bedeutung des Alkohols.