Excess drinking is associated with lost productivity, accidents, disability, early death, crime,
neglect of family responsibilities, and personality deterioration. These and related concerns have
justified special restrictions on alcoholic-beverage commerce and consumption. The nature and extent
of government involvement in this arena vary widely over time and place, and are often controversial.
Economists have contributed to the evaluation of alcohol policy through empirical work on the effects of
alcohol-control measures on consumption and its consequences. Economics has also provided an
accounting framework for defining and comparing costs and benefits of interventions, including excise
taxes