Quote Originally Posted by Terpe View Post
I did not suggest a total ban on availabilty, I suggested a ban on general sales. As long as they would be available on prescription can't see the problem.
There are two problems. First, the logistics of GP's writing, and pharmacies dispensing, cigarettes for a quarter of the population. Second, when that proves unworkable, an increase in illegally sold cigarettes which provide no income for the government. A similar argument applies over illegal drugs for which there is also a demand.
However, I am not a politician. Enforcement of policies by a nanny state has its limitations. Health promotion - not threats, scare tactics, and claims which are unscientific like "603,000 deaths from passive smoking" - is the way forward.