Like Tories? Because as you presumably already know, their biggest donors are probably in the tobacco industry. Yet another reason why cannabis is still not legal here yet also.
That's obviously not possible because tobacco is an addictive product that people already addicted can't just give up just like that. I normally agree about bans but with tobacco it's one of those things that caused so much harm for so little benefit and if it stops people getting hooked in the first place it's a good thing. It's not like other unhealthy things that are also enjoyable and relatively safe in moderation like alcohol and unhealthy food. Smoking doesn't provide any benefits to anyone and is harmful right from the first fag. It's only enjoyable for smokers because the relief it provides from the cravings creates a good feeling.
The black market for fags will not stop people from smoking it will just put more money in the pockets of criminal gangs who will be very happy with this new law.
This government needs putting out of it's misery, why are they wasting time on unenforceable policy whilst the realm rots?
I don't think it would make a huge amount of difference. Smoking is dying out anyway, very few teenagers and young people do it these days anyway because it's far too expensive so they vape instead. Which is a debate in its own right but overall vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking so I suppose if teenagers need to do something 'cool' it's better they do that than smoke. All existing smokers would be able to continue to legally buy fags for the rest of their lives so I don't think it'll make too much difference. There isn't enough appeal in smoking to encourage large numbers of future young people to go to the hassle of seeking out black market suppliers because basically smoking doesn't have any kind of hit. The traditional incentive for black market cigarettes and tobacco is to source cheaper fags for existing smokers who are already addicted and want to avoid the high prices of legal tobacco. That demand will continue but I don't think there will be much additional demand from future youngsters because there isn't really any sort of buzz from it. If you're that way inclined to try and seek out stuff illegally, you're more likely to go for cannabis or other drugs which give you a hit rather than tobacco which doesn't really do anything. Long term it'll pretty much fade away in terms of traditional smoking and tobacco will largely become something you mix with weed if you're a cannabis smoker. A much smaller, niche market.
Exactly. America had Prohibition in the 1920's and 30's and see how that ended up. We had the booze cruises with people nipping to France for beers, now they will be going across for some Benson and Hedges and Rizla's.
I know people who buy rolling tobacco 50 gram pouches for £14 instead of paying £45 in supermarkets. I just wonder if they government loses money from tax on fags what will they tax to replace it booze?
They wouldn't have to, they'd have several months notice. I know that it's possible to give up within a few months with the help of the NHS and your GP, because I did it 12 years ago after 25 years of smoking.
I can't speak for all of Australia but I'd be interested if @Delilah knows of the same in Perth, but in Melbourne we have loads of tobacco stands and small shops where you buy your ciggies from. A packet of Decent fags go for around £35 ($70) so it's no surprise that criminal gangs ask politely that they sell Chinese brands which sell for around $15. When I say ask politely, if they refuse then the shop gets firebombed. If however they say yes, then a rival gang will go and see them and also ask politely for them to sell their cheap Chinese cigarettes and it’s at this point that the shop owner can’t win and the only recourse is to move your family from the apartment above the shop so they’re not there when it ultimately gets burned to the ground.
Very good of them to have incredibly good manners. Excuse me sir but would you be prepared to sell our contraband, if not then be prepared to get a visit from Big Bad Bruce with his can of petrol and a box of matches.
Jokes aside it's nasty what is happening to ordinary people trying to make a living. Arson and endangering lives which one day could end up with a murder is serious shit. Let's hope they get caught very quickly.
The world is getting more paranoid by the second Market Harborough: Council reviews CCTV use over China government links https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-68836429 Why on earth would the Chinese be interested in what’s going on in these 2 towns
To be fair, we are at loggerheads with China so it makes sense - for government bodies and personnel at least - to cover all you bases, even the most unlikely.
Not heard of that happening here mate. Thinking about it though if you watch Border Force you see Chinese people getting caught trying to smuggle in suitcase loads of Chinese cigarettes. For every one they catch though how many do manage to get through?
I would imagine the port here has containers full of them. I've worked with a few people who smoke these things and they've said it's like inhaling sawdust mixed with whatever they've swept up off the floor, but it's $40 cheaper than B&H so what can you do? Er, pack up?
