A RECENT public announcement on television has reminded us that there will be a new spate of anti-smoking government measures.
Some of them, such as banning the sale of cigarettes to people under 18, definitely have my support, while others look a bit unnecessary. In my view, smoking may be harmful to health, but unlike drugs it will not cause any social destruction.
Using massive government resources on anti-smoking seems to me to smack of not getting our priorities right.
There are plenty of areas of social concern where more resources should be allocated - welfare for the elderly, control of drugs, education, prevention of crime, housing, and many more.
Some people advocate that smoking should be banned because of its effect on young people and on family life, and the effect tobacco smoke may have on other people.
Think about horse racing and the tragic stories we have heard about punters.
