If You Can't Beat 'Em, Intoxicate 'Em

by Don Boudreaux on January 5, 2006

It’s reassuring to learn that the demand curve for booze slopes downward to the right — that is, the less costly booze becomes, the greater are the quantities of booze that people drink.

(Hat tip to Roger Meiners.)

{ 2 comments }

Uncle Jack January 5, 2006 at 10:08 am: "The per capita cost of around C$771 ($660) a month was partially offset by monthly savings of C$96 a month in emergency services, C$150 in hospital care and C$201 in police services per person."

savings=
96
150
201
—-
447

cost =
771

Three deaths and a negative cash flow. Hmm. Reminds me of how my wife saved me all that money during the holiday shopping season.
Ivan Kirigin January 5, 2006 at 1:45 pm: I doubt the deaths were caused by the study. These people have been drinking obscenely for years.

Part of the point is that they drink less because of the program.

I disagree with all of it, and have yet to be surprised by the ridiculous government programs. That said, this is probably not the worst I've seen.