Why won't the UK government ban smoking completely?

Question

With the smoking ban in public places like pubs and work places, it makes me wonder if the government are so concerned about public health, why do they just not do the decent thing and ban smoking completely? It would make quitting smoking much easier too.

Answer 1

Too much revenue earned on the tax mate im afraid...

Answer 2

It's banned in Scotland, and the Bingo halls and some of the pubs are noticing a drop in sales their losing business, also the government get money from the taxes paid for tobacco. I don't think a complete ban is the answer, more damage done by drinkers being abusive and violent,

Answer 3

tax
there are many smokers in government
its never good to outlaw something which many people see as innocent pleasure (consider what happened in the states with the introduction of abolition) - it doesnt stop the behaviour it just drives it underground, makes people law breakers (generates contempt for the law), puts money in the hands of crimilas who will fill the demand

oh and by the way the UK probably couldn't ban smoking, unless the whole of the EU banned smoking.

Answer 4

The government make too much revenue out of it-same as alcohol-these two drugs alone,(because that IS what they are) are worth billions per year to the Treasury in revenue-how else are we to fund our army's in Afghanistan-Iraq,and such places.I also doubt that banning smoking altogether will make it easier to quit-at least at first-i can see lonnnnng queues at all chemists for the nicotine replacement therapy's,and at doctors surgery's to get that day's "fix"..hhmmm,amusing!!Doesn't the coat of arms on a cigarette packet mean that the queen endorses smoking too!

Answer 5

No,haven't you ever heard of freedom of choice,if people want to smoke then why stop them,they have already banned it in pubs,public places etc.There is far worse things in this country that need to be banned such as all these terrorists,drugs,guns etc and you worry about a little petty issue such as havin a ciggie?!Oh and by the way im a non- smoker but i have no objections what so ever on people that want to smoke.

Answer 6

You see how well that has worked with other drugs. On the other hand if you're an organised crime type a total smoking ban probably sounds like a great idea.

Answer 7

smoing ban in scotland hasn't stopped me smoking. With all the smokers gardens at the pub i've actually made new friends that i wouldn't have spoken to inside. Smirting is the latest craze too.

Answer 8

It's all about the tax. In fact, the only reason they banned opiates and coke and the like was because it was linked behind uprisings from other races. The only exception was opiates; that was banned because it was so heavily attributed to Asians.

Answer 9

banning smoking, never happen. what would happen to all the people employed by tobacco, manufacturers, transport, advertising, vending machines the list is endless. oh and don't forget the taxes, even the poor customs man needs something to do, and the search dogs and the people who train them, and don't forget the poor criminal who smuggle they need to make a living to,

Answer 10

coz, as people have said, there is a huge revenue from tobacco. Also smokers die considerably younger than non smokers - therefore reducing the demand on the state pension. Yes there are increased health costs but overall it makes money for the government.

Answer 11

The treasury couln't afford the drop in taxation that the tobacco brings in