Gradually Banning Smoking.......

[ToraToraTora]

https://news.sky.com/story/rishi-sunak-considering-banning-cigarettes-for-next-generation-12967763

what do we think?

[construct1245]

Absolutely, the effects of second hand smoking effects everyone

[roadman]

not sure what they will do to replace the tax income that smokers generate

[ToraToraTora]

Hooray roadman wins the prize, I thought we'd dispelled that myth but it still persists, usually we don't get to page 3 on these smoking threads before someon talks about tax. There is a huge tax deficit from smoking when all the indirect costs are considered roadman.

[New Judge]

...usually we don't get to page 3 on these smoking threads before someon talks about tax.

 

I mentioned it on page one, Tora. I agree that there is a tax deficit associated with smoking. The problem is that if smoking costs the country (say) £20bn and only £10bn is collected in tobacco tax, the NHS and other organisations will not suddenly be £10bn better off. They (especially the NHS) are unlikely to make £10bn of savings by not having to treat smoking related illnesses. In the case of the NHS particularly, the saving will simply be lost in the noise and will probably be absorbed by a new direcorate dedicated to "Equality, Diversity and Inclusion" or something similar.

[ToraToraTora]

Yes they won't suddenly be better off but it is false to believe that smoking is a net tax gain.

[ToraToraTora]

Yes judge they won't suddenly be better off but it is false to believe that smoking is a net tax gain.

[ToraToraTora]

oops

[douglas9401]

No smoking on buses at least. X

[andy-hughes]

It's interesting that smokers always bleat about their 'choice', but are happy to waste billions of pounds stopping cocaine and heroin  users exercising that same element of choice. 

[andy-hughes]

The fine for missed appointments is an excellent idea, it will concentrate people's minds and make them less laissez-faire about wasting valuable time and resources. 

[douglas9401]