Article Summary In an Attempt to Discourage Smoking, New York City Mayor

question 215

Multiple Choice

Article Summary
In an attempt to discourage smoking, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed a bill which would set a $10.50 minimum price for a pack of cigarettes. The bill would also prohibit retailers from offering any discounts such as 2-for-1 offers or accepting discount coupons. New York City already has the highest cigarette tax in the country, at $5.85 per pack, and the state of New York is one of many which already require cigarettes be marked up by a specified percentage. This bill is a companion to one which would require stores to keep tobacco products hidden from sight. Although the bills are expected to be challenged in court, a precedent has been set in Rhode Island, where a court upheld a ruling allowing the city of Providence to forbid retailers from accepting coupons and offering discounts on cigarettes.
Source: Vivian Yee, "Bloomberg Seeks End to Cheap Cigarettes," New York Times, March 26, 2013.
-Refer to the Article Summary. The minimum price of $10.50 per pack of cigarettes being proposed by mayor Bloomberg would have which of the following effects on the market for cigarettes?

• A) Consumer surplus will increase.
• B) Producer surplus will increase.
• C) Deadweight loss will increase.
• D) Market efficiency will increase.

---

Definitions:

Units of Guns

A measure or quantity of firearms; colloquially, it can refer to military spending or resources in discussions of trade-offs between defense and civilian spending.

Units of Butter

A measurement used to quantify butter, typically in pounds or kilograms, often used as an example in economic theories to explain concepts like trade-offs and opportunity costs.

Opportunity Cost

Failing to capitalize on potential gains from other alternatives when making a singular choice.

Consumer Goods

Products and services that are consumed by individuals or households for personal satisfaction and daily use.