Many European countries apply taxes on beer and spirits but not wine. Photo: Internet Source

Can taxes reduce deaths?
According to the WHO, 2.6 million people die from drinking alcohol and 8 million people die due to unhealthy diets every year.

The UN health agency said higher taxes would help reduce consumption of the products and incentivize companies to make healthier products.

"Taxing unhealthy products creates healthier populations. It has a positive ripple effect across society, less disease and debilitation, and revenue for governments to provide public services," said Rüdiger Krech, the WHO's health promotion director. "In the case of alcohol, taxes also help prevent violence and road traffic injuries."

The WHO added that while 108 of its 194 member states already impose some taxes on SSBs, they account for an average of just 6.6% of the price of soda.

Half of those countries, the WHO noted, also tax water, which is not recommended by the UN agency.

WHO: Less cheap booze means fewer alcohol-related deaths. The WHO said minimum pricing alongside taxation could curb the consumption of cheap alcohol and reduce drink-related hospitalizations, deaths, traffic violations, and crimes.