Australia Taxes RTDs Like Spirits

The Australian government has raised taxes on RTDs (ready-to-drinks) by 70% as a way to curb binge drinking among teenagers. The tax hike is effective immediately. Under the increase, RTDs will be taxed at the same rate as spirits, from $39.36 per liter of alcohol content to $66.67.The new initiative is a part of Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s $53 million strategy to curb alcohol abuse. The government claims teenagers prefer RTDs, although the industry maintains 80% of the RTD