About

The Nanny State Index (NSI) is a league table of the worst places in the European Union to eat, drink, smoke and vape. The initiative was launched in March 2016 and was a media hit right across Europe. It is masterminded and led by IEA’s Christopher Snowdon with partners from all over Europe. The 2017 edition of the index was revealed during a full day conference in Brussels and featured high level discussions and debates between MEPs, industry experts, think tankers and regulators about the effects of regulation on health outcomes.

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About the Editor

Christopher Snowdon is the head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs. His research focuses on lifestyle freedoms, prohibition and policy-based evidence. He is a regular contributor to the Spectator Health blog and often appears on TV and radio discussing social and economic issues.

Snowdon’s work encompasses a diverse range of topics including ‘sin taxes’, state funding of charities, happiness economics, ‘public health’ regulation, gambling and the black market. Recent publications include ‘Drinking, Fast and Slow’, ‘The Proof of the Pudding: Denmark’s Fat Tax Fiasco’, ‘The Crack Cocaine of Gambling?’, ‘The Wages of Sin Taxes’, ‘Drinking in the Shadow Economy’, ‘Sock Puppets: How the government lobbies itself and why’ and ‘Closing Time: Who’s killing the British pub?’. He is also the author of ‘Selfishness, Greed and Capitalism’ (2015), ‘The Art of Suppression’ (2011), ‘The Spirit Level Delusion’ (2010) and ‘Velvet Glove, Iron Fist’ (2009).


Germany 2017

After the Czech Republic, Germany has the best record of any EU country for resisting nanny state legislation. Its beer tax is the second lowest in the EU, taxes on spirits are well below the EU average, and there is no wine duty. Germany allows alcohol advertising in all its forms, including on television after 6pm, and there is no statutory closing time for bars.

Smoking restrictions vary by region but bans are generally less draconian than those of most European countries and its tobacco tax is lower than the EU average. There is no vending machine ban or display ban for cigarettes and some tobacco advertising is permitted so long as it cannot be seen in other member states (in accordance with EU law).

E-cigarettes can be sold and used without restriction, although there are restrictions on which flavours can be sold. Cross-border sales are legal.

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