The Tobacco Template

It has been claimed, by ASH, that

... the “domino theory” i.e. that once a measure has been applied to tobacco it will be applied to other products is patently false.

Sadly, it is their statement is false, not the domino theory. This page lists attempts by organisations and goverments to copy the 'tobacco template' in order to denormalise users of, or reduce consumption of, products.

Higher Taxes

Ever higher taxes are imposed with the belief that they will either (1) increase the tax the government receives or (2) reduce consumption by pricing consumers out of the market. (Ovbiously it can't do both at the same time.)

However, unintended consequences occur in the form of (a) increased sales on the black market and/or those (legitimately or not) obtaining their supplies from abroad and (b) increase in poverty because the hardest hit (and of which, demographically, tend to smoke more) are the poor who are either unwilling or unable to cut down or give up.

Bans - Products

Typically of the 'you can't do that here. Or there.' type.

Bans - Advertising

This covers not only direct advertising (identifiable adverts in media) but 'indirect' advertising; e.g. no smoking allowed in children's films (Think Cruella DeVille from 101 Dalmations)

Australian government - 'junk' food

Greens leader Bob Brown introduced a private members bill last Monday to ban junk food advertising during children’s television viewing times of 6-9 am and 4-9 pm on weekdays, as recommended by the Obesity Policy Coalition.[1]

Gory Pictures/Warning Labels

Gory pictures on packets are supposed to deter (potential) smokers. Typically the medical type photographs show nothing that smoking could have caused (perfectly white teeth affected by dental caries, totally blackened lungs when we know smokers lungs are used for transplants, etc.)

BMA - Wine

[T]he British Medical Association is currently demanding that graphic warnings be placed on wine bottles and wants – in their own words – “a complete ban on [alcohol] advertising as has been done very successfully with tobacco.” [2]

Plain Packaging

Plain packaging is claimed to reduce the appeal of cigarettes. None of the studies (since it has not been revied in practice yet) have conclusively prooved that this is the case