So Will The Purveyors Of Filth And Death Now Just Accept It?

[ToraToraTora]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36333450
Or appeal yet again?

[mikey4444]

Andy....whenever smoking is discussed on here, some of our AB smokers normally rush to the barricades, ready to defend their habit to the death !

[Jackdaw33]

As a smoker I am at a loss here. If the government thinks that smoking is bad for us, why don't they just make tobacco an illegal substance? They are quite happy to ban things in other walks of life, most of which are less harmful than tobacco. It is coming to the point that buying a packet of cigarettes will be equivalent to buying a dirty magazine from under the counter. If it's wrong, ban it. Why do they not have the courage of their convictions? Couldn't have anything to do with the enormous tax revenue, could it? This is typical of the sort of thing I would expect to hear from Brussels. Of course,TTT is a great fan of government interference in the lives of ordinary people.

[mikey4444]

A smoker emerges (!)

[ToraToraTora]

JD: I knew one of you wouldn't let me down! "Couldn't have anything to do with the enormous tax revenue, could it?" - that's the fella well done JD, countdown stopped usual myth spouted.

They won't ban it because as proved by the septics prohibition does not work, better to make it so difficult and expensive that no one does it.

[Jackdaw33]

I can see the day coming when it will be more acceptable to be a paedophile than a smoker.

[Mamyalynne]

As a smoker (albeit a semi retired one) I have no need to defend my partaking of something legal in my own space and tome, I have never inconvenienced anyone else by it.


I would however be the first to advise anyone thinking of starting up the habit to have a serious rethink.

The packaging issue doesn't bother me a bit, they are not and never have been a fashion accessory or status symbol for me, maybe with the exception of fancy coloured Sobranie Cocktails when I was a teenager.

[Svejk]

Oh aye, jd, TTT is very keen on the nanny state. (when it agrees with him, natch)

[ToraToraTora]

so you have never smoked in a bar then mamy? Never smoke where someone has to endure the disgusting smell?? I seriously doubt that.

[mikey4444]

TTT...I agree, but successive Chancellors ( of all Parties ) miss a trick every Budget. Increasing the tax by a few pennies each time won't work.

Smokers are addicted, so they will just find those few extra pence every day.


But increase the price of a pack of 20 by a £ or two....now that really would make a difference

[andy-hughes]

I could never understand how Kenneth Clarke could serve as Secretary of State for Health, and simultaneously be a member of the board at Imperial Tobacco!

[ToraToraTora]

I hate the nanny state, I do however expect the state to protect me from selfish emitters of poison gas.

[mikey4444]

Jack..........."I can see the day coming when it will be more acceptable to be a paedophile than a smoker".

With the greatest of respect, that is pure drivel.

[albaqwerty]

For me it was Sobranie Black Russian in my younger days.

Why hide them behind shutters then have them in plain packaging?
(I know, it's in case a youngster likes the look of the packet and thinks 'I'll try that')

[andy-hughes]

Jackdaw - //I can see the day coming when it will be more acceptable to be a paedophile than a smoker. //

Which planet would that be on then?

Obviously not this one!

[Jackdaw33]

Anything which contradicts your opinion is 'pure drivel'. Just think for a moment about what I meant.

[Sipowicz]

Do we have "Lift off"?

[mikey4444]

Jack....I have thought about it....and its still drivel !

[murraymints]

filthy smelly disgusting habit !! yeuch

[mikey4444]

Sipowicz....yes, about 30 seconds ago !

[andy-hughes]

Jackdaw - //Anything which contradicts your opinion is 'pure drivel'. Just think for a moment about what I meant. //

I can't speak for mikey - but I am curious to know if there is a meaning beyond what is clearly understandable from your very simple statement.

If it has hidden depths, I for one have failed to plumb them - but await an explanation with interest.