This study, pubished in Addiction, is an analysis of 112 studies that examined the effects of increases in alcohol pricing or tax level on consumption of alcoholic beverages. The study found that raising the cost of alcohol reduces drinking.

Wagenaar et al. Effects of beverage alcohol price and tax levels on drinking: a meta-analysis of 1003 estimates from 112 studies (2009). Addiction, 104 (2), 179-190. DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2008.02438.x http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121639213/abstract

Authors: Alexander C. Wagenaar, Matthew J. Salois & Kelli A. Komro