The World’s Drinking Problem

Widespread alcohol abuse is disruptive for economies, suggests a report from the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development. Alcohol consumption and related health issues rise with increased wealth, and China and emerging economies are wrestling with growing alcohol consumption: “While more than half of the Chinese population aged 15 years and older do not drink at all, 42 percent of men and 71 percent of women in 2010 who do drink averaged 15.1 liters of pure alcohol annually against a far lower 9.1 liter average for the rest of the OECD,” notes the Asia Sentinel. The methodology included surveys which can pose reliability challenges. The OECD report recommends education and enforcement combined with pricing and enforcement policies to curb excessive consumption. History has shown that prohibition is ineffective, suggests the Asia Sentinel: “A succession of Chinese dynasties attempted to ban alcohol consumption at least 40 times in the 2500 years between 1100 BC and 1400 AD before finally giving up.” – YaleGlobal