"As laws against smoking and drugs become more draconian, the relative regulatory neglect of alcohol remains a mystery. Draws on history, political philosophy and straight economics to point out that higher alcohol taxes would fit squarely in the American tradition." -David Leonhardt, New York Times Alcohol is too cheap, and it’s costing all of us. Paying the Tab makes a powerful case for a policy course correction. He provides a thorough account of the scientific evidence that has accumulated over the last twenty-five years of economic and public-health research, which demonstrates that higher alcohol excise taxes and other supply restrictions are effective and underutilized policy tools that can cut abuse while preserving the pleasures of moderate consumption. Philip Cook’s well-researched and engaging account chronicles the history of our attempts to “legislate morality,” the overlooked lessons from Prohibition, and the rise of Alcoholics Anonymous. Beer and liquor are far cheaper and more readily available today than in the 1950s and 1960s. In fact, American policymakers have ignored the influence of the supply side of the equation. Over the last few decades, efforts to reduce the societal costs - curbing youth drinking and cracking down on drunk driving - have been somewhat effective, but woefully incomplete. Paying the Tab, the first comprehensive analysis of this complex policy issue, calls for broadening our approach to curbing destructive drinking. Every American is paying for alcohol abuse.
Young and old, drinkers and abstainers alike, all are affected. The pain comes not only from drunk driving and lost lives but also addiction, family strife, crime, violence, poor health, and squandered human potential. What drug provides Americans with the greatest pleasure and the greatest pain? The answer, hands down, is alcohol.
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