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@bankhaunter wrote:

My point was that of the people who drink alcohol only some may become addicted if they drink regularly whereas once a person starts smoking it is rare that addiction doesn't follow.

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I disagree that smoking is more addictive than the consumption of alcohol, as you suggest. In fact I would say that they are both equally addictive - albeit not to any great extent (in most cases). Check out the number of wine bottles in shopping trolleys.

No JBM, this is because the assistants are not permitted now to verbally tell customers the prices or the brands they sell. I haven't yet seen this list you speak of in the supermarkets here, but I don't patronise the cigarette kiosks in supermarkets, so they very well may do so. However in three tobacconists that I know, they are refusing to comply with this stupid law, and if a customer asks which are the cheapest, or which brands they sell, they will tell them. They also still serve a customer that they know with their particular brand without them asking, something else they are not allowed to do. You could crack a rib laughing at these ridiculous and insane laws.

It seems that everyone who enjoys a cigarette is classed as a leper these days, to the exclusion of all else. No smoking in pubs, clubs, caffs, restaurants, public transport, etc, not a problem with that. Our bus station is a huge edifice of a place. The roof is probably 60/70 ft to the apex, you could almost class it as being outdoors, because it's open both ends to the four winds. If there is the slightest breeze blowing, it's like a wind tunnel. However, don't you dare attempt to light a ciggie up in there. Meanwhile, there's a couple of buses spewing out poisonous carbon monoxide. You can't smoke, but you can sit in there and throw cans of Stella down your throat until you become completely off your face and unconscious.

You really couldn't script these stupid and idiotic laws, brought into being by the Non Smoking Clan. They've achieved what they wanted by banning smoking indoors, on public transport, etc, and they're still not satisfied. Nor will they be until they have banned smoking in the street and parks. In fact it's probably being discussed as I'm typing this.