Should you need a licence to smoke?

[InOne]

If you're a smoker, could you imagine having to apply and pay for a licence to buy tobacco?

The application process might even include a test to find out if you understood the risks of smoking, and your swipe card licence would limit your tobacco purchases - perhaps to 50 cigarettes per day or less.

It might sound extreme, even social engineering, but this is the proposal of a public health expert in Australia, who suggests that it could provide a practical "disincentive" for smokers.

Prof Simon Chapman from the University of Sydney is interested in the next generation of truly effective anti-smoking measures.

Laying out his case for a smokers licence in the latest issue of the journal Plos Medicine, he said it could be of interest to "high-income nations that are actively pursuing tobacco control goals".

So could a government-issued licence be the best solution to reduce smoking? And how could such a scheme work?



Read more here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20314849) :o

[Niamh.]

They'd never do it here, they'd lose too much on taxes. I don't know, maybe, I am a smoker but I wish I wasn't, if it stopped people from starting it would be a good thing, eventhough at the same time it's a bit nanny state ish

[Kizzy]

You can see it now, off to score a 10bag of tobacco for the weekend...
The industries will hate the idea of ' rationing' as they will lose money. Putting the cost up hasn't worked, it just penalizes the poor and addicted whilst lining the industries pockets.

[Marcus.]

they gone power mad

[Ramsay]

I can see how it could help everyone cut down but it would never last
People would go crazy

[MTVN]

You can see it now, off to score a 10bag of tobacco for the weekend...
The industries will hate the idea of ' rationing' as they will lose money. Putting the cost up hasn't worked, it just penalizes the poor and addicted whilst lining the industries pockets.

Isnt the increased price is all tax though so the tobacco industry don't actually benefit from it?

Anyway can't see this happening anytime soon, although they do seem to keep trying to come up with new ways to legislate against smoking without actually making it illegal

[CharlieO]

Sounds like a good idea to me

[arista]

In the Future that may come in.

[Kizzy]

I would have thought it was a % split, so if the cost goes up their profit margin does too?
But totally, tax revenue...wow we would lose a huge chunk, as said for this reason alone it would prob never happen here.

[CharlieO]

In the Future that may come in.

You sure? I thought it'd come in the past

[Shaun]

Oh god, enough of the hand-holding approach to smokers ffs. If you're so concerned about smokers' welfare then push for it to be banned, enough of this ****ing bureaucratic nonsense

[Marc]

Yes, smokers are disgusting.

Make them pay loads.

[Livia]

If you're going to make people get a licence to smoke, I want to see people have to have a licence to drink. I also want people to sign a statement to say that they understand the instructions printed on whatever form of contraception they are going to say failed when the tax-payer ends up paying for their kid. Why stop at tobacco?

[Lee.]

Yes, smokers are disgusting.

Make them pay loads.

http://mattsko.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/lauren-smoking-gif.gif

[Marc]

see, that woman in that picture is a vile, smelly hooker

[Lee.]

That's yer maw

[Marc]

My mother does smoke actaully :sad:

Which is why I hate it, smells horrible and I can't escape it.

[Lee.]

Start smoking a pipe.. it will cover up the smell of her fags :)

[Marc]

Ahh that's actually a very good idea.. I hadn't though of that.. It would reall- oh wait a minute :suspect:...

[Vicky.]

If you're going to make people get a licence to smoke, I want to see people have to have a licence to drink. I also want people to sign a statement to say that they understand the instructions printed on whatever form of contraception they are going to say failed when the tax-payer ends up paying for their kid. Why stop at tobacco?

Agreed.

Maybe take it a step further if 'health' is the issue here, and say you need a license to buy chocolate/crisps/anything thats not raw veg.

[arista]

Oh god, enough of the hand-holding approach to smokers ffs. If you're so concerned about smokers' welfare then push for it to be banned, enough of this ****ing bureaucratic nonsense


Its the Future
Shaun




Life In The Fast Lane.

[Shaun]

smoking is clearly sexy so shut up world

[AnnieK]

Its just another revenue generator - you will have to apply and pay for a licence, then buy a packet of cigs and pay tax on those too.

[Cherie]

I never thought I would see the day when smokers would be forced to stand outside in the cold if they wanted a ciggie...:joker: So you never know what they will briing in next.

[Marcus.]

I never thought I would see the day when smokers would be forced to stand outside in the cold if they wanted a ciggie...:joker: So you never know what they will briing in next.

what next only aloud 5 an day

[Scarlett.]

What, so you'd have to take overpriced smoking lessons, then an expensive practical and theory test on them?

[Marcus.]

What, so you'd have to take overpriced smoking lessons, then an expensive practical and theory test on them?

yeah what happens if you don't pass they well not let you smoke :joker:

[AnnieK]

What, so you'd have to take overpriced smoking lessons, then an expensive practical and theory test on them?

Yep...and then go and buy an overpriced pack of 20 to put what you learned to the test

[Tom4784]

It would be hell to actually enforce it I think. It just sounds like an expensive waste of time to me, someone will only quit if they want to quit, not if you force them to.

[arista]

smoking is clearly sexy so shut up world


No Shaun honey
its no longer Sexy.

That was the 1970's.

[Kizzy]

Yes, see smoking is not sexy.. it's like a big 70's bush!

[AnnieK]

It would be hell to actually enforce it I think. It just sounds like an expensive waste of time to me, someone will only quit if they want to quit, not if you force them to.

Absolutely, I quit when they hit £6.50 a packet and it was costing me more to smoke than eat every week!

[Sam:)]

Thats ridiculous, why dont they start penalising fast food for fat people? Will the limit apply to rolling tobacco as well?

[Vicky.]

Yes, see smoking is not sexy.. it's like a big 70's bush!

:joker:

[Omah]

Cigarette smoking should be banned - nicotine should be a Class A drug :

Class A Drugs
(includes ecstasy, LSD, heroin, morphine, cocaine, methadone.)

Possession - Up to 7 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.

Production or Supply - Up to life imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.

[MTVN]

I fail to see how you quoting a list of Class A drugs supports that argument

[Omah]

I fail to see how you quoting a list of Class A drugs supports that argument

It's not an argument - it's a point of view.

[Kizzy]

Cigs are so expensive .. patches, counselling and advice of all kinds is available on the NHS now which is great. I managed to stop but it was hell, it was because of the risk of passive smoking that did it for me.
If it wasn't for them meddling kids....

[Omah]

Cigs are so expensive .. patches, counselling and advice of all kinds is available on the NHS now which is great. I managed to stop but it was hell....

Yeah, I used patches but still experienced some very weird withdrawal symptoms ..... :eek:

[arista]

Cigarette smoking should be banned - nicotine should be a Class A drug :


I think in 20 years
Fags will be banned from all Public places.


So it will be in their private death room
of their house

[Redway]

I agree with those saying that this law would be ridiculous. It's a person's choice if they want to smoke or not.

[Shaun]

It's not an argument - it's a point of view.

how convenient it should have no basis

[Vicky.]

I think in 20 years
Fags will be banned from all Public places.


So it will be in their private death room
of their house

Meanwhile the government will be charging £100 per packet and reaping all the benefits, while still insisting that they want everyone to stop for the good of their health :p

[CharlieO]

There is no benefit to smoking. It is totally unnecessary. If people are going to do it I don't see why the government shouldn't at least try to get money out of the scum that do it.

[Redway]

There is no benefit to smoking. It is totally unnecessary. If people are going to do it I don't see why the government shouldn't at least try to get money out of the scum that do it.

No one's scum for smoking, Charlie. :p You can't just make generalisations about people because you don't approve of their lifestyle.

[CharlieO]

No one's scum for smoking, Charlie. :p You can't just make generalisations about people because you don't approve of their lifestyle.

That is literally how the world works?

I believe that anyone who smokes has no respect for themselves as a person or their body. Therefore scum because they're treating themselves like a pile of rubbish.

[Vicky.]

There is no benefit to smoking. It is totally unnecessary. If people are going to do it I don't see why the government shouldn't at least try to get money out of the scum that do it.

Of course the government is entitled to exploit those who smoke. What I dont agree with is them pretending they care about the health benefits of stopping smoking and using that to justify the high prices rather than just being honest and saying they are doing it because people will pay that amount as they are addicted, when in reality they would be up **** creek without smokers. Tax on everything else would have to rise a LOT if everyone stopped. And carehomes etc would be absolutely bursting at the seams once all these smokers stopped dying early :laugh:

God bless the baccy man who still sells for £3 tbh :pipe:

[Vicky.]

That is literally how the world works?

I believe that anyone who smokes has no respect for themselves as a person or their body. Therefore scum because they're treating themselves like a pile of rubbish.

You could say that about anyone who drinks alcohol or eats unhealthy food, or doesnt excercise though too.

Then again, you probably do so this point is likely moot :tongue:

[Redway]

That is literally how the world works?

I believe that anyone who smokes has no respect for themselves as a person or their body. Therefore scum because they're treating themselves like a pile of rubbish.

I imagine that applies to other aspects of lifestyle, then? :hugesmile:

[CharlieO]

Of course the government is entitled to exploit those who smoke. What I dont agree with is them pretending they care about the health benefits of stopping smoking and using that to justify the high prices rather than just being honest and saying they are doing it because people will pay that amount as they are addicted, when in reality they would be up **** creek without smokers. Tax on everything else would have to rise a LOT if everyone stopped. And carehomes etc would be absolutely bursting at the seams once all these smokers stopped dying early :laugh:

God bless the baccy man who still sells for £3 tbh :pipe:

I somewhat agree with that. I personally they do it for a mixture of both reasons though yea they could be more forthright about the pure money side, though I don't really see what difference it makes.

You could say that about anyone who drinks alcohol or eats unhealthy food, or doesnt excercise though too.

Then again, you probably do so this point is likely moot :tongue:

Indeed I do think that.

[CharlieO]

Not as much with food and exercise though.

With food I don't think unhealthy eating makes you scum because eating is a necessity in life and you're still providing yourself with energy. This means that though I don't respect eating obviously unhealthy foods I do understand it and wouldn't think as badly upon that person.

With exercise it isn't the same because it isn't actively poising your body. Your not making the choice to do something that you know has no benefits what so ever so I also don't think as badly upon people who don't exercise enough in comparison to the smoking issue.

[Redway]

So you're basically calling about 3/4 of the world scum? :p

[CharlieO]

if you say so

[CharlieO]

It really is smoking though to such an extent. Every other effect of a lifestyle choice that's been mentioned earlier can be reversed by being active. Smoking there is no way to reverse it and there is not one benefit to it.

[Sam:)]

I get what charlie is saying to a certain extent, although the effects of smoking is nearly reversible after 15 years of quitting

[Redway]

It really is smoking though to such an extent. Every other effect of a lifestyle choice that's been mentioned earlier can be reversed by being active. Smoking there is no way to reverse it and there is not one benefit to it.

If you mean just smoking then I see what you mean. I thought you was on about eating habits/exercise/smoking as a whole.

[AnnieK]

If you have ever read Alan Carr's (not chatty man) book hE documents how the government tobacco industry and media spent many years slowly and subliminally brainwashing people into smoking. It's a very interesting read and does open your eyes to how the tobacco industry gained such a foothold into society and just how much money is made by the government on smoking As many people did I so regretted starting but I don't think this licence would have made me stop but driving the cost up did.

[Omah]

how convenient it should have no basis

Of course it's biased, otherwise it wouldn't be a point of view ..... :laugh2:

[joeysteele]

A really bad idea and one I would be against 100%. I am not a smoker but think it really bad the way they are targetted all the time.

[MTVN]

Of course it's biased, otherwise it wouldn't be a point of view ..... :laugh2:

Think you might have misread him there Omah

[microscope]

I think any idea to stop or cut-down those who smoke or are thinking of taking up the filthy habit is great. There also should be no national health service for smokers either and if they can't afford to pay for private health care, which they should have to pay, then let them die...simples! If you want to take up a drug like tobacco which causes cancer and loads of other serious health problems and also innocent non-smokers have to breath in your passive cigarette smoke which we don't want to, as we don't want to stink like an ash try and breath in and end up coughing and damaging our own health which is criminal.

Cigarettes and tobacco should be a lot more expensive to and bringing in duty free fags should be made illegal, and anyone caught doing it should be given massive fines

[Omah]

Think you might have misread him there Omah

I shoulda gone to Specsavers ..... :shocked:

[Omah]

how convenient it should have no basis

Everybody knows that nicotine is an addictive drug. To see just how addictive it is in comparison to alcohol, heroin, cocaine and caffeine: look at the table below.

(see webpage)

Addiction to nicotine is far more common than addiction to cocaine, heroin or alcohol, and the rate of graduation from occasional use to addictive levels of intake is highest for nicotine in the form of cigarettes.

http://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/smoking1/module1/understanding-nicotine-and-addiction.html


On a scale from 1 - 100 Nicotine is the most addictive drug - even more addictive than crack cocaine!

99 - Nicotine

98 - Smoked methamphetamine

97 - Crack cocaine

92 - Injected methamphetamine

83 - Valium

82 - Seconal

80 - Heroin

80 - Nasal amphetamine

71 - Nasal cocaine

70 - Caffeine

60 - PCP

22 - Marijuana

20 - Ecstasy

19 - Psilocybin

16 - LSD

15 - Mescaline

http://www.stopsmokingnow.co.uk/nicotine-addictiveness.php

[InOne]

I think any idea to stop or cut-down those who smoke or are thinking of taking up the filthy habit is great. There also should be no national health service for smokers either and if they can't afford to pay for private health care, which they should have to pay, then let them die...simples! If you want to take up a drug like tobacco which causes cancer and loads of other serious health problems and also innocent non-smokers have to breath in your passive cigarette smoke which we don't want to, as we don't want to stink like an ash try and breath in and end up coughing and damaging our own health which is criminal.

Cigarettes and tobacco should be a lot more expensive to and bringing in duty free fags should be made illegal, and anyone caught doing it should be given massive fines

Well aren't you a bundle of joy.

[MTVN]

I shoulda gone to Specsavers ..... :shocked:

:laugh:

[Kizzy]

Oh look theres innocent old marajuana.... :)

[Ramsay]

Thread has nothing to do with weed Kizzy

[Kizzy]

Thread has nothing to do with weed Kizzy

Just making an observation karl.

[Omah]

how convenient it should have no basis

A cigarette may look harmless enough - tobacco leaves covered in classic white paper. But when it burns, it releases a dangerous cocktail of about 4,000 chemicals including:

more than 70 cancer-causing chemicals
hundreds of other poisons.
nicotine, a highly addictive drug, and many additives designed to make cigarettes taste nicer and keep smokers hooked.


This page has more information on the various poisons in cigarette smoke. You can also read about where these come from and how concentrated they actually are.


Cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke
Tar - a mixture of dangerous chemicals
Arsenic - used in wood preservatives
Benzene - an industrial solvent, refined from crude oil
Cadmium - used in batteries
Formaldehyde - used in mortuaries and paint manufacturing
Polonium-210 - a highly radioactive element
Chromium - used to manufacture dye, paints and alloys
1,3-Butadiene - used in rubber manufacturing
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - a group of dangerous DNA-damaging chemicals
Nitrosamines - another group of DNA-damaging chemicals
Acrolein - formerly used as a chemical weapon
Other chemicals - see webpage


Other poisons in cigarette smoke


Hydrogen cyanide - used as an industrial pesticide
Carbon monoxide - found in car exhausts and used in chemicals manufacturing
Nitrogen oxides - a major component of smog
Ammonia - used to make fertilisers and explosives
More poisons - see webpage


http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-info/healthyliving/smokingandtobacco/whatsinacigarette/smoking-and-cancer-whats-in-a-cigarette#Other

[Ramsay]

Just making an observation karl.

Of course

[Vicky.]

Arsenic - used in wood preservatives

Well I never knew that, always thought arsenic was rat poison :laugh:

[Omah]

Acrolein - formerly used as a chemical weapon

:eek: