Citation

Yakovlev, Evgeny (2013). Peers and alcohol: evidence from Russia. New Economic School Working Paper.

Abstract

For the last twenty years male mortality rate in Russia has increased by 50%. Alcohol abuse is agreed to be the main cause of this change. In this paper, I analyze the determinants of heavy drinking in Russia, such as the price of alcohol, peer effects and habits. By measuring the long and short-term price elasticity of alcohol consumption, I evaluate the short and long-term impact of regulatory taxation on consumer welfare and mortality. An increase in the price of vodka by 50% would save the lives of 40,000 males annually. Peers account for a quarter of this effect.

URL

peers&alcohol_Yakovlev_29apr2013.pdf

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2013

Journal Title

New Economic School Working Paper

Author(s)

Yakovlev, Evgeny