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Addictive goods and taxes: A survey from an economic perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Nuria Badenes-Plá

    (Universidad Complutense de Madrid)

  • Andrew M. Jones

    (University of York)

Abstract

In this paper we present an overview of the empirical evidence about the effectiveness of using taxation to influence addictive behaviour, and we address the normative question: should greater use be made of sin taxes to fund health care? First, we raise the desirability of linking health care financing and taxation of addictive goods, taking into account efficiency and equity principles. Secondly we present the approaches adopted by economists in the study of addiction and their policy implications. At the end, the empirical evidence of effectiveness of taxes is summarised.

Suggested Citation

  • Nuria Badenes-Plá & Andrew M. Jones, 2003. "Addictive goods and taxes: A survey from an economic perspective," Hacienda Pública Española / Review of Public Economics, IEF, vol. 167(4), pages 123-153, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:hpe:journl:y:2003:v:167:i:4:p:123-153
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jon P. Nelson, 2010. "What is Learned from Longitudinal Studies of Advertising and Youth Drinking and Smoking? A Critical Assessment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-57, March.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Addiction; tobacco; alcohol; sin taxes;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • H21 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Efficiency; Optimal Taxation
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • H51 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Health

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