France loses more money from tobacco and alcohol than it gains
France loses more money from tobacco and alcohol than it gains Euronews
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A Report on the Cost of Alcohol and Tobacco Use on Public Finances in France
A new report has found that the cost to public finances related to alcohol and tobacco use exceeds any money the state gains from taxes on those products.
Introduction
France’s government loses more money due to lives lost and prevention spending on alcohol and tobacco use than it gains from taxes on those products, according to a new report.
The Study
The report analysed data from 2019 in an attempt to determine the impact of the problem on the country.
Key Findings
- Tobacco smoking caused more than 73,000 deaths in 2019 and alcohol consumption caused more than 41,000 deaths.
- The estimated “social cost” to the state amounted to €156 billion for tobacco smoking and €102 billion for alcohol. The cost to the state of illicit drug use amounted to €7.7 billion.
- This estimate takes into account the economic value of lives lost due to drug use, the loss of quality of life for patients with cancers caused by tobacco and alcohol use, as well as state spending on prevention and care.
The Impact on Public Finances
The cost to public finances related to alcohol and tobacco use exceeds any money the state gains from taxes on those products. The French government received €4 billion and €13 billion respectively from the taxes on alcohol and tobacco. However, this is lower than the cost to the government of treatments for alcohol and tobacco abuse.
Expert Opinion
“The idea that drugs like tobacco and alcohol would bring benefits to the state is therefore completely unfounded,” said Pierre Kopp, a professor of economics at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne, who wrote the report. “Drugs impoverish the community,” he added.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The drop in the number of deaths caused by alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs between 2010 and 2019 shows that public policies have made it possible to “significantly reduce tobacco consumption, improve care for illicit drug users and, more modestly, increase awareness of the dangers of alcohol”. These efforts align with the SDGs, particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
- Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders
- Indicator 3.5.2: Harmful use of alcohol, defined according to the national context as alcohol per capita consumption (aged 15 years and older) within a calendar year in liters of pure alcohol
-
SDG 1: No Poverty
- Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
- Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims, and the poor and the vulnerable
Analysis
The article highlights the negative impact of alcohol and tobacco use on public finances in France. Based on this information, we can identify the following SDGs, targets, and indicators:
1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The issue of alcohol and tobacco use is directly connected to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all. The harmful effects of these substances on individuals’ health and the associated costs to the state are addressed in this SDG.
Targets:
- Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
The target emphasizes the need to enhance efforts in preventing and treating substance abuse, including harmful alcohol use. It aligns with the report’s findings on the negative impact of alcohol and tobacco on public finances.
Indicators:
- Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders
- Indicator 3.5.2: Harmful use of alcohol, defined according to the national context as alcohol per capita consumption (aged 15 years and older) within a calendar year in liters of pure alcohol
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the target. The report’s analysis of the social cost of alcohol and tobacco use provides insights into the need for treatment interventions and highlights the harmful use of alcohol in terms of consumption per capita.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
The article indirectly connects to SDG 1, which aims to eradicate poverty in all its forms. The financial burden caused by alcohol and tobacco use can contribute to poverty and inequality within society.
Targets:
- Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
This target emphasizes the importance of implementing social protection systems to support vulnerable populations, including those affected by the negative consequences of alcohol and tobacco use.
Indicators:
- Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims, and the poor and the vulnerable
This indicator can be used to measure progress towards the target. The financial costs highlighted in the report demonstrate the need for social protection systems to support individuals and families affected by alcohol and tobacco-related issues.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders Indicator 3.5.2: Harmful use of alcohol, defined according to the national context as alcohol per capita consumption (aged 15 years and older) within a calendar year in liters of pure alcohol |
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable | Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims, and the poor and the vulnerable |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: euronews.com
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