MANY AMERICANS SUPPORT HIGHER `SIN' TAXES

* A large majority of Americans favor higher taxes on tobacco and alcohol to reduce the federal deficit, but balk at paying more taxes for gasoline, according to a consumer survey by the Conference Board in New York.

More than 70 percent of the 5,000 households contacted would like to see higher taxes on tobacco and alcohol, with the strongest support coming from older and more affluent Americans. Only 17 percent of the respondents support higher taxes on gasoline and higher tax rates on home mortgage deductions.