Banning something is much more clear cut. The social benefits and costs can be discussed and we can come to an agreement democratically. A tax system just all

Banning something is much more clear cut. The social benefits and costs can be discussed and we can come to an agreement democratically. A tax system just allows people to continue doing something that is damaging. The government effectively sell the right to abuse a shared resource. Like buying a ticket that allows you to drop litter.