Suppose a friend of yours is wondering why government hasn't imposed a tax on cigarettes to discourage consumption of cigarettes because in her

Suppose a friend of yours is wondering why government hasn't imposed a tax on cigarettes to

discourage consumption of cigarettes because in her estimation imposing a tax on cigarettes

would have the effect of increasing the price of cigarettes and therefore discourage smoking of

cigarettes. Briefly explain to her using the concept of elasticity why a government tax on

cigarettes would be ineffective in reducing consumption of cigarettes but rather will give

government more revenue.