The party’s over Mixed drinks up $1 a bottle in binge war
The cost of pre-mixed drinks will jump by about $1 a bottle from today after a dramatic move by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. The Rudd Government doubled the tax on ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages from midnight last night. Drinks targeted included Bacardi Breezers, rum and coke, Vodka Cruisers and UDLs. Some are equivalent to three standard drinks. Drinkers will pay more for the products, whether sold in supermarkets, bottle shops or pubs. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show young people are more likely to drink RTDs and teenage girls in particular are introduced to alcohol through RTDs. The Rudd Government swooped last night to avoid a rush on bottle shops. But shoppers may still be able to pick up a bargain. Some prices will stay at current levels until stocks are sold. Sunday Herald Sun, April 27.
