If the state exercises a monopoly on liquor production and sales, it controls the price, the quality and the public availability of alcoholic beverages, and thus exerts some control over rates of alcoholism. High taxes on alcoholic drinks discourage buying and can bring the state much needed revenue, which helps pay for treatment of alcohol-related diseases, among other things. State control of production ensures that the alcohol is made properly, and is not adulterated by even more poisonous chemicals. Countries where alcohol abuse is tolerated, such as Russia, cannot afford in human terms to have low-priced, poor quality, readily available alcohol.
Revocation of the state monopoly on alcohol production has been blamed for a 7 year drop in male life expectancy there as well as scams which enrich government cronies and impoverish the nation. In 1995, a law was passed to reinstate the monopoly.