Liz Truss is in the news today for two reasons: the publication of her book and her criticism of her successor’s decision to ban the sale of cigarettes to those who are currently 15 or younger.
I have seen little comment about what we might learn from the history of similar government policies, such as Prohibition in the US. Further, much as we deplore the impact on societal health of the cigarette industry, is it really sensible to create a new market for addictive substances? Has the potential impact been assessed in terms of gangs moving in to control access to cigarettes, the vast sums that may be generated and the serious violence that may ensue over turf wars between suppliers?
I have seen little comment about what we might learn from the history of similar government policies, such as Prohibition in the US. Further, much as we deplore the impact on societal health of the cigarette industry, is it really sensible to create a new market for addictive substances? Has the potential impact been assessed in terms of gangs moving in to control access to cigarettes, the vast sums that may be generated and the serious violence that may ensue over turf wars between suppliers?