Letter to the Editor: Tuesday October 11, 2016

A simple solution

I have an idea how to eventually stop 90 per cent of cigarette smoking in this country.

Simple really. Tobacco is declared a toxic, hazardous substance and is therefore only available from controlled sources. The controlled sources could be chemists, and cigarettes and tobacco would only be available on a doctor's prescription.

A prescription would only be given to current smokers over 18, and at no more than 20 cigarettes a day (1 pack).

Prescriptions would have to be renewed every month, and a person couldn't collect more than a week's worth in one lot, ie 140 cigarettes, one packet of Drum or pipe tobacco, seven cigars.

Therefore, no new smokers.

No duty-free tobacco to be brought in. Overseas visitors and returning residents would have to declare themselves smokers and be allowed up to one week's supply of tobacco of their choice and then get a prescription for the duration of their visit - same as everybody else.

Naturally, the controlled sources would need extremely secure store rooms, and a price increase would probably be needed to cover their costs.

CURED
Kaitaia