What are Governments doing about Smoking?
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
The fact of the matter is, governments are putting in measures across the world making it far more difficult for smokers to continue the habit. These measures are thankfully, making it more difficult for people to start. Not only does the act of smoking cost so many lives and put so many people under pressure both in health and financial terms, it puts public health infrastructure and supporting systems under so much duress and stress, that it’s costing billions more and more each year to provide for these services. The Australian Government is a good case in point.
Several years ago they were one of the first governments to ban smoking in nightclubs, bars and inside venues. Not only did this have a massive effect on the environments in that they became instantaneously healthier, young people in particular started quitting at a higher rate, recognizing that the habit of smoking was becoming less and less desirable, both as an attribute as well as an attraction. It was only a few years before that smoking was seen as sexy, and attractive but this single legislative act creating the beginnings of an environment in which the tide began to turn saving many lives in the process. The Australian Government has followed up this achievement by increasing taxes on cigarettes making it even harder for those to afford to smoke that do smoke already. The rise in costs in buying cigarettes is up to $17 a packet in Australia. The high price also deters younger teens from smoking because the reality is, it’s nearly impossible for them to afford. Not only is smoking now seen as un-cool, but its also seen as highly expensive and highly disgusting.
The Australian Government has also banned smoking in such places as beaches, public stress and other public venues, further isolating current smokers and providing more of a conducive environment for them to quit. Other governments should begin to take the Australian lead and create more legislative policies that enable more people to decide to quit. Quitting smoking not only decreases the chance of illnesses and sicknesses such as cancer and the like, but it also decreases the costs to the public. These costs include paying for those that need operations due to their habit of smoking and other related expenses. If you are a current non smoker and would like to bring about change, why not write to your local representative in order to promote more governmental initiatives designed to help people quit smoking permanently.