The morning I turned eight, I woke up and told my father that I was “halfway there”. This, in my … Continue reading “Will 2019 be the year we halt the march of the Nanny State? I won’t hold my breath”

The Institute of Economic Affairs is commissioning lifestyle economics papers as part of its research output in 2019. Our lifestyle … Continue reading “The IEA issues call for original research proposals”

You would hope that politicians – current or prospective – would rank improving the lives of their fellow citizens as … Continue reading “Politicians wouldn’t ban motorcycle helmets, so why do they ban safer tobacco products?”

I’ve heard it said – often by advocates of social justice campaigns like the #MeToo movement – that we should … Continue reading “Civil society is giving our killjoy government a run for its money”

Paternalists still walk among us. These days, they don’t call themselves paternalists; they call themselves…public health campaigners. Download ‘Killjoys’ by … Continue reading “How the nanny state makes EVERYONE’s life WORSE!”

Richard Thaler, a professor at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, was announced as this year’s winner of … Continue reading “Why nudges are nothing to fear”

Commenting on the High Court’s ruling against tobacco companies’ challenge on plain packaging rules, Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics … Continue reading “Ruling on plain packaging: a bad decision on many levels”

Sin and consumption taxes, including taxes on tobacco and alcohol, cost low income people more than 37% of their income … Continue reading “Sin Taxes”

Christopher Snowdon, Director of IEA Lifestyle Economics, on the threats to consumer choice in our society – and why free … Continue reading “Lifestyle Economics”