Price Controls Cut Binge Drinking, Canadian Province Reports

The Canadian province of Saskatchewan’s minimum-pricing policy on high-alcohol beverages has resulted in a decline in public intoxication as well as lower sales of potent products, the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix reported July 6.

The province is among a handful of governments worldwide to set minimum prices based on alcohol content. The policy has caused the prices of 36 targeted products to rise by up to 40 percent.

Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority officials said that public drunkenness and calls to police have declined in the areas where high-alcohol products are consumed most.