As with many things I find the government's attitude to this quite hypocritical at times.
It is a proven fact that smoking is bad for you, and the govt. keeps on saying how they want to see more people quit. So why not simply ban the manufacture, sale, and importation of cigarettes entirely?
They've managed to use a similar "we know what's best for you" approach in many other areas, e.g. the ban on leaded paint and gasoline.
"But what about peoples' right to choose to smoke if they wish," I hear you say. As someone who's become increasingly a libertarian I agree entirely, but that hasn't stopped the govt. from enacting many other laws which similarly infringe upon one's right to choose (e.g. compulsory seat belt laws).
Do they fear that a ban on all forms of tobacco would lead to prohibition-style racketeering and "Cigarette Speak Easies," or are they just looking at the revenue that would be lost?
