brad465
Established Member
More or less how Yes Prime Minister put it:I’m on the fence.
Never smoked (officially) and the number of people I know who smoke is in low single figures - curiosly all teachers or medical profession, you‘d think they would know better.
However, I’m of the opinion - admittedly very controversial - that smoking does not, actually, cost ’society’ much at current levels.
I know (or rather, knew) several people who smoked and have died at a relatively young age as a result, almost exclusively due to lung cancer or circulatory issues. In all cases, the end was relatively swift. Very sad obviously, but nothing could be done. AIUI this is typical for those who are long term smokers, although obviously there are many exceptions (including my great aunt who was 60 Embassy a day from the age of 13 to 85.)
Now that smoking is a niche pursuit, many people who would otherwise have died in their 50s and 60s through smoking are living longer, and instead of expiring with lung cancer etc. are having other types of illnesses in their 60s / 70s / 80s, often prolonged. This must cost the NHS more. Whilst true that their illnesses are later in life (deferred, if you like), they still happen, and more expensively. And all whilst drawing a state pension too.
Given how much knowledge there is on the subject, I find it difficult to believe that the average UK smoker does not know what risks they are taking. And, given restrictions on smoking in public places, the effect on others through passive smoking must now be close to negligible. (I certainly get more ‘passive’ smoke from those smoking ‘jazzy roll ups‘ than tobacco).
So, if a ‘consenting adult’ wishes to smoke, and does so in a way that does not materially affect others, and pays relevant duty and tax on their product of choice… then if they choose to significantly increase their chances of shortening their life, have a (relatively) swift demise, pay a decent sum in tax and duty to the Exchequer, and reduce the amount of state pension the rest of us have to pay to them in future… then I say that is up to them.