Globally and in the WHO European Region alcohol taxes remain the most underutilized policy tool to decrease alcohol consumption and associated harms. As of July 2022 in the WHO European Region, at least 49 Member States applied national-level excise taxes to beer and spirits, while only 29 imposed such taxes on wine. Among the 20 Member States without wine excise taxes, 14 are part of the European Union (EU).

• Alcohol taxes play a crucial role in reducing alcohol consumption and harms.
• By raising the price of alcohol, taxes effectively discourage drinking, particularly among specific groups such as young people.
• Alcohol taxes not only save lives and prevent social problems but also promote health equity while generating revenue for the country budgets.
• To achieve positive effects, taxes must be carefully designed, implemented, and administered to impact alcohol prices and consumer behaviour effectively.