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There's a lot of $$$ the government can generate from "sin taxes" (think Colorado RMJ) that could help fund projects that can reduce the harm these "sins" cause, like drunk driving for example.
Here in Albuquerque we have a few safe ride / drunk taxi programs, but these services tend to have reliability issues (1+ hour wait times, etc.). Also, a lot of the drivers for these services do so on a voluntary basis, so although the service is usually free or low-cost, a good tip ($20-$30) is still highly recommended for these services. With some additional funding, local governments could expand and improve these programs to help encourage and promote responsible drinking.
Also, in many places, bus service stops early, and taxis can be very expensive and unreliable. Places that have nightlife centers or bar clusters could offer bus service that mimics school busses that cover more areas of the metro.
The reason I think this could is work is because the people who benefit from these services will be the ones footing the bill. Bars and Clubs could also potentially see an increase in their customer base from those who previously had logistical issues getting safely to and from the bar.
It wouldn't work. Even if people had transit options to and from the bars they would still prefer to drive their own car. Between the people who would still drive anyway and the people who live within walking distance to their favorite hangouts (like me), you would just be upping the cost of booze and the great majority of people wouldn't get anything out of it.
It wouldn't work. Even if people had transit options to and from the bars they would still prefer to drive their own car. Between the people who would still drive anyway and the people who live within walking distance to their favorite hangouts (like me), you would just be upping the cost of booze and the great majority of people wouldn't get anything out of it.
I think the main reason people prefer driving is the lack of any other viable options. It's not easy for everyone to find a designated driver or be able to afford a taxi any time they want to go out, and most people aren't within walking distance from the bars they frequent. The risk of a DWI accident or arrest should already be a good deterrent, but increase safer options would add incentive as well. And the people who walk to their bars could benefit by having easier access other venues away from their immediate vicinity.
Why stop there OP? Lets tax everything that free American adults do that others think is a "sin." Have a kid out of wedlock? Get taxed to pay for free condoms for all. Have unmarried sex (that causes a lot of problems), you get taxed to fund Abstinence until married campaigns.. Drink soda and/or eat fast food, tax it and free healthy food for all! In this digital age, Americans aren't excising like they used to, so I say we tax everyone and open free gyms. I mean most Americans who aren't sitting at home collecting a government check are already paying 60% or so in taxes to the Government and to the state, so what's 10 more percent... Better yet, every single person in America should work for free and then let the government use the "$$$" THEY generated dictate to us what we should do, eat, watch, etc via FREE services with money they "generated" for our own good.
Let's see how many other things we can tax!! No, I would not be in favor of this. People know better than to drink and drive; people in ABQ have horrible reputations for breaking this law> They lose their license but continue to drive, they get arrested during the day as well, raising the taxes on alcohol isn't going to do anything. Finding an answer to the number of alcoholics in ABQ is the only way of controlling the problem. Many of us who have lived or live in the area realize how bad it is.
Because everyone doesn't live in a city. A lot of people don't even have day time public transportation and shouldn't foot the bill for people in the cities.
Why should alcohol be taxed to fund transit systems? Tax (or increase rates) of existing transit systems to cover the costs of expansion and allow them to be self-sustaining.
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