Alcoholic Beverages Market

Assessment Task Instructions:
Core Task:

Should government intervene in the UK market for alcoholic beverages? Discuss in detail two methods of government intervention in this market.

The aim of this essay is to ascertain the effectiveness and efficiency of the role of government in solving certain economic problems.

Things to consider: Alcoholic beverages market
• Why would the government intervene in this market? What problems are created for the society and individuals as a result of the existence of this market? (it is good to provide evidence to support your points here)
• How can the government intervene in this market to reduce these problems? (Consider two methods of government intervention appropriate to this market)
• How would these intervention methods/policies benefit this market? (use economic theory here)
• What limitations may exist on the ability of each method/policy to influence the market in the desired way? Economic theory may be relevant here.
• Is there evidence on the impact of interventions in this market?
• Overall, do you think government should intervene in this market? Why or why not?

Structure:
It is expected that you will set out your argument in the introduction, build and present your argument in the main body and should end with a summary of key points and an overall key message.
Theory and/or task resources required for the assessment:
The theory of elasticity covered in week 4 cycle 1 can be used to support arguments on government intervention in the alcoholic beverages market
The theory of efficiency and government interventions in market covered in week 5 cycle 1 can be used to illustrate government intervention methods and corresponding effects in markets.
You must conduct secondary research for this essay, finding relevant sources independently. For your chosen question, you are required to use at least SIX sources. These should be reputable sources (e.g. discussion papers, book chapters, good quality newspaper like the Economist, Guardian), which have been published in English language.
Your essay should present an in-depth discussion and economic analysis, you must use diagrams to support your explanations of economic theory.
Assessment reference style:
You must include a reference list at the end of your essay, using referencing guide.
Expected word count:
You are required to write a 1500-word essay, excluding appropriate diagrams and reference list. You can go above or below this limit by 20%

Learning Outcomes Assessed:
The following learning outcomes are assessed in this task:
1. Define key terms used in the description and analysis of the micro and macro economy
2. Explain how key economic theories, mechanisms and variables function in relation to each other in an economy
3. Analyse, measure and compare the impact of market mechanisms, policies and government intervention on consumers, businesses and economies

Submission Requirements:
1. Use Arial or Calibri, size 11-12 and use 1.5 spacing between lines.
2. Each page of your assignment should have a header with your student ID number, module code and the name of your class tutor. Do not write your name.
3. All pages should be numbered.