Smoking, when will.....

[R1Geezer]

...this disgusting habit finally be consigned to history?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7771210.stm do you think this latest initiative will help? I know that smoking is being actively encouraged in 3rd world countries/eastern bloc etc so do you think that's just the death throws of an industry or are we in danger of having a non smoking western world being shocked by this "strange" habit when they visit up and comming nations? it's almost getting to the stage now for me when I see someone in the street smoking I get a sort of "How strange" feeling!

[youngmafbog]

To answer to actual question, yes I do think it will disappear, though not in any of our lifetimes I suspect.

The cost/tax will be little do do with it, more a social thing I reckon. This will come about by more bans until smokers have virtually no where to go.

Although I hate smoking I also am not keen on a Government telling me what to do. On balance I think I would opt for a free society above one that bans and controls my life. Dont suppose I'll get my wish now we are in a Police state though.

[The Sherman]

Jake Im actually disgusted! I would like you to show me one single sentence from me that would make you think i am right wing and use stupid idiotic phrases like nanny state!

please justify yourself!

the only thing I have ever disagreed with you on is climate change

[Gromit]

Just noticed this isn't going to happen until 2013.

So if 450 children a day are starting to smoke, that will be another 657,000 extra smokers before hiding them under the counter comes in.

[tigerlily11]

It would cost less to treat smokers than the amount it costs in treating the binge booze brigade.
After all thats not just the time wasted in the NHS there but Police time lost in dealing with drunks rather than being out there catching the real thing and the amount it cost in council taxes to clean up after the average night out in a busy town centre.

[weecalf]

So these people want people to go into the shop and call the shop assistant to the side by means of Pssss in a low my sterious voice .Have you got any wink wink nudge under the counter .Does Sir mean contras or dirty books .No you know those things you put in your mouth and set on fire .Oh Sir wants a fire work .No you know you drag .Dont call me drag replies the assistant No not you know those other things comes in packets of ten or twenties .Oh Sir wants sticking plasters .No grabbing the assistant those things that keep you calm .Oh Sir means ..... No I bloody well dont Im away to Tescos what counter can they hide them under .Very good Sir bye call again we are getting some bags of hard core in next week useful for filling patiosand paths .

[terambulan]

Me thinks smokers should be consigned to designated areas and pay for these areas, like parking cars. �1 for 15mins should do the trick and cut down smoking.

All smokers welcome at my place at the above charge I need an income....and the butts!