[Socioeconomic significance of alcohol].

This paper evaluates production and consumption of alcohol from an economic point of view. The economic rationale for public policies towards alcohol in a market system is discussed at the outset. Economic costs and benefits of alcohol consumption are then assessed. Three alternatives for taxing alcohol with a special excise tax are presented. The main results of a cost-benefit study of the treatment of chronic alcoholics in Switzerland are reported. Finally, some conclusions are drawn regarding public policy in this field.