Impact of alcohol taxation and harmful business practices on vulnerable youth in Latin America

Abstract

Introduction. This article presents an overview of the dynamics of alcohol consumption, mainly among young people and minors, as well as the tax policies and behaviors of the alcoholic beverages industry in the Americas, with a focus on Brazil, Colombia and particularly in Mexico.

Introduction: this article presents an overview of the dynamics of alcohol use, mainly among young people and minors, as well as the tax policies and behaviors of the alcoholic beverage industry in the Americas, with a focus on Brazil, Colombia and particularly Mexico.

Objective: to expose the preferences, habits and dynamics of alcohol use among minors and young people; to analyze the access and availability of beverages with high ethyl content and low price in Mexico City; to examine tax policies from a social and public health perspective; to propose recommendations to prevent underage consumption and reduce it in at-risk populations.

Method: a qualitative methodology was used through nine focus groups composed of an average of 20 young men and women in areas and situations of high social and economic vulnerability in Mexico, Brazil and Colombia; as well as field verification research in distribution centers and areas of interest for the analysis of the phenomenon.

Results: the need to implement a comprehensive and multisectoral solution strategy to carry out the necessary reforms and actions in terms of health, taxes and advertising was identified, in addition to incorporating measures that impact supply and demand, and enforce the prohibition of sales to minors.

Discussion and conclusions: it is necessary to rethink alcohol tax policies in some countries of the region; as well as to modify certain regulatory frameworks that limit physical and media exposure to alcohol in young populations.

Method: A qualitative methodology was used on nine focus groups made up of an average of 20 young men and women in areas and situations of high social and economic vulnerability in Mexico, Brazil and Colombia; as well as a verification investigation in the field research in distribution centers and areas of interest for the analysis of the phenomenon.

Results: It was identified the need to implement a comprehensive and multisectoral solution strategy was identified to carry out the necessary reforms and actions in matters of health, fiscal policy, and advertising, in addition to the need to incorporate measures that affect the supply and demand, and to enforce the prohibition for alcohol vending to minors.

Discussion and conclusions: It is necessary to rethink alcohol tax policies in some countries of the region; as well as modifying certain regulatory frameworks that limit physical and media exposure to alcohol in young populations.