@honeybee, as you probably know by now, I am not a fan of taxation. Using tax as a deterrent for something considered a 'demerit good' or a good that produces negative externalities, is mostly ineffective. This is because most demerit goods have inelastice demand. A price increase produces a small decrease in quantity. Taxing demerit goods can produce a steady flow of revenue to the Government. Often those that consume demerit goods have low incomes and they end up forgoing things that they actually need.

I do not see paying tax makes us civilised. I see that high tax nations are pushing control and decision-making to the Government. As you will know from many of my previous posts and comments, I do not believe Government act in the best interest of the people. People also do not always act in their own best interest but at least there is intent and the unbrainwashed tend to learn from experience.