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This article explains how liquor outlets have negative externalities of production - on average the number of serious violent crimes doubled once you got within 900m of a liquor outlet. The more liquor stores an area had, the more likely it was to have a higher rate of serious violent crimes, regardless of poverty and other factors. This poses serious risks to citizens as they could be subjected to harm and danger. Many people have now said communities should have fewer stores that are licensed to sell alcohol. This would not benefit store owner as they make major profits from selling alcoholic beverages but it could possibly aid to ensure safety in a neighborhood.

Benjamin Diokno of Malaya Business Insight believes that taxes on cigarettes, liquor, gambling, and oil should be taxed much more heavily. He believes they should account for one third of all taxes. Price elasticity is about 0.6 for cigarettes and about 0.23 for liquor. I do not agree with Benjamin on this one. Firstly, because I do not believe that drinking or smoking is a sin. Some people have lots of pain and trouble in this world and maybe drinking is the only way for them to experience peace. And what if someone has just come off drugs, so instead uses cigarettes instead of Cocaine. Would you still think its a sin to smoke cigarettes? These should be taxed just as equally as other products. Im interested on your views. Comment and let me know !