There is nothing more disgusting than somebody else's bad habits. Our own bad habits, on the other hand, are so much more rational, justifiable and forgivable.
if the Government was serious about restricting the availability of cigarettes to young people, the Government would prohibit the sale of tobacco from everywhere except licensed premises.
A phoneline which helps smokers quit has received a record number of calls following the announcement of huge increases in the price of cigarettes and tobacco.
it will be vital to dedicate extra tax income from the increase to smoking cessation programmes, especially targeting low income earners, Māori and Pacific smokers, at-risk youth and patients with chronic illnesses whose health is further compromised by smoking.
A Marlborough health professional is encouraging people to give up smoking as soon as possible, with the cost of a packet of 20 cigarettes expected to cost up to $14 by 2012.
Legislation passed under urgency last night has seen the price of cigaretts (taylors and rollies) increase overnight by 10%. The tax is set to increase twice over the next two years and will see a pack of cigarettes go from $13 to $17 by 2012. The argument is that by increasing taxes on tobacco, pressure will be put on family members to quit and prevent young people from starting in the first place.
