Wingnut economist and columnist Bruce Bartlett argues that "Taxing Smoke Doesn't Work." In support of this thesis, he cites a report from the Small Business Survival Committee which claims that New York City had expected $250 million in new revenue by increasing its tax on cigarettes, but ended up with only a $43 million dollar gain. Hardly a failure.
Bartlett also argues that
The record is clear that cigarette smokers are not sheep. They do not sit back passively and just pay exorbitant taxes. They take actions to minimize their burden, which have the effect of reducing revenues without reducing consumption.
But the report he cites states that "22% [of smokers surveyed] say they do smoke less because of the higher cost." Bartlett also overlooks the fact that most people who no longer buy their butts in the city just buy them elsewhere, which is hardly a net loss for "small businesses" as a whole.
Most significantly, however, Bartlett omits to mention that "[f]unding for the study was provided by Philip Morris, USA." Put down the crack pipe, Bruce, and get a job you're qualified to hold.
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