I still can't understand the Netherland's (and to some degree the whole of Continental Europe) opinion towards smoking and the resistance to taxes and restrictions. In countries such as Australia and New Zealand many smokers are actually in favor of higher taxes because they think that if it's going to cost them a small fortune for each smoke then it will be an extra incentive to quit. But then again, it's not exactly a cool thing to smoke anymore once you see those giant photos of diseased eyeballs, lungs and mouths on the packaging. That really should be the next stage... then raise taxes to 90%+ Smoking already causes the individuals, their families, communities and environment so much pain and suffering...

By James | November 17, 2009 12:38 PM

A simple solution to ill health followed by death to those who smoke - the expensive for which 'we' the state pick up - would be for the tobacco companies to shoulder the tab. When someone needs hospital treatment or dies prematurely because of nicotine-related disease, and assuming the reasons can be authenticated by a qualified doctor, that's when the bill should be sent to the tobacco companies: plus a fixed charge for loss of earnings, which brings untold hardship to families affected. If Big Tobacco pays for all this willingly - not resorting to high-powered lawyers to help them wriggle out their obligations - then the state could allow them to set the amount(s) paid against tax. Would this stop them griping?

By Michael Dawkes | November 17, 2009 4:25 PM

Oh, for pity's sake let's not start this bleating again about the smoking topic - pain and suffering to the communities and environment???? Yes and the smokers are probably responsible for the rising sea levels and the worlwide terrorist issues. As a non-smoker, I prefer for people to make their own choices, not have some group decide what's best.

By Sparky | November 17, 2009 4:43 PM

A government that says it will rely on tax from tobacco sales to make up for a reduction in inheritance tax cannot honestly tell people it wants to discourage smoking.

The tax on smoking should be set at a level that reflects its cost to society, and no more. As it is the government are making a profit from smokers.

By Mark | November 18, 2009 6:44 AM

Glad I don't have to buy my smokes in the UK!
Did you know that it is not illegal to grow tobacco here?

By stevie | November 18, 2009 5:24 PM

hmm, not that I have an ounce of empathy for any smoker (they really do cost us all far too much money), but yet again we see another government policy geared towards relieving the tax burden of the privileged few and placing that burden upon the lower classes. Inheritance tax needs to be reduced........why? So some chuffin' CDA voting, farming-subsidy swindling rich twot from Staphorst's kids pay less when they inherit Pa's mega farm and chicken-processing factory. Disgusting

By Michael Dawkes' bastard son | November 19, 2009 11:07 AM