In Economics 101 classrooms the cigarette trade used to be used as an example of an "inelastic" market. No longer true.
There is a point beyond which people won’t pay. While smoking bans do not seem to cut consumption (evidence to the contrary prevails) rising taxes make smokers better shoppers. The real price of a pack of cigarettes is under a buck. With taxes and associated premiums added, smokers will pay up to about two bucks, then they get wise. They find discount sources. Government has played this game much too hard for much too long. We’re glad to hear this report which mirrors many others across the US and the globe. Dirty pool does not pay off forever. Government is not getting away with it anymore.
Our thanks to an observant reader for this link.
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