Binge-drinking and other forms of harmful alcohol use should be tackled through higher taxes on alcoholic drinks and tighter marketing regulations, the World Health Organisation says.
The United Nations agency has released its draft global strategy to curb risks linked to alcohol.
It says consumers, including heavy drinkers and young people, are sensitive to changes in the price of drinks and increasing the price is one of the most effective interventions to reduce harmful use of alcohol.
A key factor for success in controlling beer, wine and spirits consumption is an effective taxation system, the WHO report said.
In New Zealand, a Law Commission report on liquor laws last year made a similar suggestion for higher alcohol taxes.