tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378433629639897384.post2031437505733483519..comments2009-01-14T20:30:47.288-07:00Clint Dunawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05637953982315833799noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378433629639897384.post-42519472728719636222009-01-14T20:30:00.000-07:002009-01-14T20:30:00.000-07:00My take is that the taxation approach with alcohol may indeed be viable if it starts small and increases gradually. From recollection, it seems like a similar approach might have been taken with cigarettes (itself a Word of Wisdom issue). Back when I worked for Kmart over 20 years ago, I think we were selling entire cartons of smokes for $7 or $8. Today, <A HREF="http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/services/services_fraud_cigarettes.shtml" REL="nofollow">New York City</A> reports they assess $4.25 in taxes *per pack.* That would be a dramatic increase if it were to happen suddenly, but the gradual approach encourages consumers to kick the habit, while at the same time allowing businesses the opportunity to gradually change its business model. --SJRSander J. Rabinowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05284593135949993907noreply@blogger.com