The United Kingdom had a drinking problem. British per capita consumption of alcohol rose 19% between 1980 and 2007, compared with a 13% decline in other developed countries. Worried about excessive drinking among young people, the British government increased the tax on beer by 42% from 2008 to 2012. Under what conditions will this specific tax substantially reduce the equilibrium quantity of alcohol? Answer in terms of the elasticities of the demand and supply curves.

The United Kingdom had a drinking problem. British per capita consumption of alcohol rose 19% between 1980 and 2007, compared with a 13% decline in other developed countries. Worried about excessive drinking among young people, the British government increased the tax on beer by 42% from 2008 to 2012. Under what conditions will this specific tax substantially reduce the equilibrium quantity of alcohol? Answer in terms of the elasticities of the demand and supply curves.

Microeconomics A Contemporary Intro

10th Edition

ISBN:9781285635101

Author:MCEACHERN

Publisher:MCEACHERN

Chapter5: Elasticity Of Demand And Supply

Section5.A: Appendix: Price Elasticity And Tax Incidence

Problem 1AQ

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