Once more researcher s fail to learn from history.

The more alcohol costs, the less people drink it. That's the conclusion of a new analysis of data from more than 100 studies gauging the impact of higher booze pricing -- typically in the form of higher taxes -- on American drinking habits. "The price level at which alcohol is sold affects what people drink," observed Alexander C. Wagenaar, a professor of epidemiology and health policy research at the University of Florida's College of Medicine. Comment: Whenever the price of a commodity reduces its availability on the open market criminal intervention takes place. We have seen this with prohibition and with illegal drugs. As cigarette taxes increase we see more bootlegging and under the counter sales of cigarettes. Alcohol addicts will choose other substances to substitute for store bought alcohol.