Nanny State Index 2023

The Nanny State Index (NSI) 2023 has been released, offering insights into the best and worst European countries for indulging in various pleasures like eating, drinking, smoking, and vaping. This comprehensive index employs a points system to rank 30 countries across four categories: food and soft drinks, alcohol, e-cigarettes, and tobacco. EPICENTER introduced the NSI in March 2016, and it is expertly curated by Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs.

Contrary to popular belief, the growth of government and its impact on consumer choices extends beyond the realm of healthcare, especially evident in the latest edition of the NSI. Governments have expanded the scope and magnitude of restrictions on consumer choice through new regulations and taxes on food, soft drinks, alcohol, tobacco, and e-cigarettes. Although Norway's repeal of its tax on sugary food and drinks serves as an encouraging example, unfortunately, the prevailing trend across Europe favors increased regulation and government intervention.

Over the past year, bureaucratic forces have been heavily involved in the daily lives of European citizens across most countries. They have implemented various measures, ranging from outright bans to sin taxes, further intruding on personal choices. These actions are ostensibly undertaken for the collective benefit, but the evidence indicates that nanny state regulations on health outcomes yield negligible, if any net benefits at all. Moreover, increasing the drinking age, for instance, does not deter underage individuals from finding ways to obtain alcohol. It is clear that the bureaucrats perceive us as incapable of making rational decisions regarding sweetened beverages, cigarettes, or anything outlined in their "sin tax blackbook." Consequently, the imposition of stricter regulations fails to demonstrate any correlation with improved life expectancy.

At this point, one might rightfully question what bureaucrats and governments should do instead. As always, there is no one-size-fits-all solution applicable uniformly across all countries. Nevertheless, policymakers ought to redirect their efforts toward fostering growth and innovation within the sin-market, rather than excessively micromanaging consumer behavior through burdensome regulations. Individuals value their indulgences, and it is essential to recognize that safeguarding public health and allowing for personal choices are not mutually exclusive. The Swedish case exemplifies this phenomenon, where innovative nicotine products like snus, vaping, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco have empowered ex-smokers to quit smoking. Policymakers should acknowledge that regulations not only hinder economic growth but also undermine their stated objective of improving citizens' health.

Overall, the NSI 2023 sheds light on the regulatory landscape across Europe, urging policymakers to strike a balance between personal freedom and health concerns. By embracing the potential of the sin-market, nurturing economic growth, and promoting individual choices, governments can better align their efforts with the well-being and prosperity of their citizens.

More information: https://nannystateindex.org/