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> in reality the industry is deeply dependent on alcoholics. What business wouldn't adapt to the fact that their customers' purchases follow a Pareto distribut
by hirundo 6y ago
> in reality the industry is deeply dependent on alcoholics.
What business wouldn't adapt to the fact that their customers' purchases follow a Pareto distribution? Many (most?) do. I'm not saying that they're not shady, but this isn't evidence of that.
- cultus 6y agoMaybe I'm misunderstanding, but there's plenty of evidence that they depend on these consumers, and they are certainly aware of them because alcohol companies have been known to engage in marketing activities. This is a broad overview: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/alcohol-sales-excessive-drinking/ https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/alcohol-sales-... As you say, it is completely predictable that beverage companies would adapt to a Pareto-like distribution of consumption. However, unlike for things like books or outdoor equipment, adapting to a Pareto distribution here means that a company is intentionally profiting from addiction. This is an absolutely huge negative externality in terms of the social , health, and economic harm that alcohol addiction causes.
- frenchy 6y agoI'm sure they would, but a business is not going to willing shrink its market unless is forced to. Trying to maintain your market, while giving all sorts of people liver cancer, cirrhosis, fetal alcohol syndrom, et al, is probably considered shady by most people.
- Nbox9 6y agoIt’s not shady that an industry is doing the best thing for their own interest. It’s shady that the alcohol industry’s best interest is against many strong public health concerns.