Tobacco.org

Editorial The other side of the anti-tobacco war 

A number of callers to radio stations on World No Smoking Day, called for stern control measures that would either curb smoking, or lead to a considerable decline in the incidence of smoking. Some called for the outright ban of smoking. What, perhaps, escaped the notice of the callers is that Botswana has a progressive anti-smoking legislation. . . .

While concerns that give rise to the "ban-smoking" lobby are understandable, caution must be made against the temptation to rush to such extreme measures. There is no proof that outlawing an act leads to its cessation. . . .

A lasting solution lies in people learning to take responsibility for their lives including their health. Only when every smoker has kicked the habit, not out of fear of the law, but out of choice would the victory be sweet.

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