The study by Monash University which found  that higher taxes on cheap alcohol could be successful in reducing problematic consumption, has been rejected by the wine industry’s peak body,  the Winemakers Federation of Australia.

Researchers found that a ‘minimum unit price’ was a more effective tool in reducing consumption than taxing each standard drink, a finding that was rejected by the Winemakers Federation of Australia who said that this would cause problem drinkers to simply shift to other alcoholic beverages or illicit substances.

The group said cask wine, one of the lowest taxed alcoholic products, was more popular among the elderly on fixed incomes while full strength beer was the most abused category for young drinkers.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-12/wine-industry-slams-monash-wine-tax-study/7082906