When
asked the reason behind the campaign to ban ten packs of cigarettes ASH Chairman,
Prof. Luke Clancy said "the main incentive is to
stop children from buying cigarettes before they become smokers." Just
exactly how banning ten packs from sale was going to stop children from
becoming smokers was unclear given it is already illegal to sell tobacco
to anyone under the age of 18. His logic seemed to be that teenagers
whom he considers 'children' would be unable to afford twenty packs.
The
professor completely ignored the fact that even if this were true the so
called 'children' could simply pool resources and buy a twenty pack. Now
that twin ten packs are to appear on the market as a result of his ban
the professor is suddenly ranting that 'children' will put their
money together. The fact is that regardless of whether it is twin ten
packs or single twenty packs teenagers wanting cigarettes will have
them whether it involves clubbing together or taking a few extra quid
from mother's purse.
Anaemic middle aged and elderly white men pontificating from a high and
banning things be it music, movies, drink, video games or cigarettes is
a sure fire way to make it attractive to the young. If proof were needed
then we need look no further than the smoking ban introduced three years
ago in Ireland and championed from the front by the professor. According
to the Central Statistic Office in 2002 smoking prevalence amongst Irish
15 to 18 year olds was around 20% and declining in line with international
trends. Since the introduction of the smoking ban that figure has now
risen to almost 25% in the same age group. The ban of ten packs will
only serve to put more cigarettes in their pockets.
The professor's scheme to ban ten packs
and force people to buy more cigarettes than they would otherwise have
chosen as a means to reduce smoking is as daft as it is idiotic and
highlights the blind fanatical nature of his logic. The truth is that
the ban on ten backs is nothing more than a punitive punishment for
smokers who refuse to obey the will of the professor and his likes and
quit tobacco. It is yet another law that removes peoples right to choice
and will particularly impact the elderly and those smokers on low
incomes who make do with ten packs.
