Finland embarks on plan that will ban all smoking
Finland plans to completely abolish smoking, starting with a ban on displaying tobacco products and smoking in cars carrying minors.
Finnish State Secretary Ilkka Oksala said the new laws were the start of a move to get rid of tobacco “once and for all."
Although several European countries now ban smoking in public buildings, including restaurants and pubs, Finland would be the first country to adopt a total ban.
New Zealand’s Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) director Ben Youdan said the same approach was needed here.
“We need to set a clear deadline to get rid of smoking and remind ourselves this is an urgent health priority. The Maori affairs Select Committee inquiry into tobacco is our chance to call for that deadline,” he said.
Submissions to the committee are due by January 29, 2010, and the committee will then report back to Parliament.
He said New Zealand needed to set its sights on making the country tobacco free by 2020.
“The tobacco industry needs to be held to account and it looks like Finland intends to do exactly that.”
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Comments
Backdoor Elimination of Companies that Produce a Product
Right, and no one smokes marijuana.
Smoking
I can imagine the blackmarket now; the gangs will love to have another source of income...
Prohibition doesn't work, especially with things that individuals consider their business...
Great!
Sounds great, to be honest, this has become a psychological addiction that people can easily get over. Yes, this is a business for some people and people in Finland will (when it is banned) still be able to get smokes, but the average family man who works a 9-5 doesn't have connections through the black market which overall will help individuals, families and the society.
Good that they're trying to
Good that they're trying to make some progress but seems kinda pointless banning smoking in cars with minors when they live in a house with parents who smoke!
Agree that tobacco free is a pipe dream. Can only reduce advertising, advise dangers and let the people make their choice.
Jobsworth Stasi GobShiiites
I used to smoke but gave it up 20 years ago and it was the best decision of my life, but it was MY decision.
What people really need to decide is , what is worst for the overall wellbeing of the population.
Smoking or Jobsworth Stasi GobShiiites ???
Thanks for taking the time
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.
at last
It is the best news i heard about tobacco so far. Even outside I get the second hand smoke, so the only solution is to ban it completely, I agree....
Good Luck
Good luck Suomi. It's gonna be a hard thing for them to do in any country really. The thing is I know here in the states there would be mass protests and people going completely insane because they wouldn't be able to smoke outside and the only place they probably would be able to smoke would be in their homes or the car. One thing I am curious is does Finland intend on making smoking itself illegal to do at all or just to ban it in All public locations including outside of bars and restaurants.
If it is either one, it would make me wonder about Finland. Yes health is a very important thing and smoking has negative effect on both smoker and non smoker (I would know. I date a smoker. It bothers him and I get headaches if it's not a well venhilated room) But for a state in the EU such as Finland to have an idea to ban it and take away the rights of the citizen, they're in for some interesting treats.
Yeah just look at America
Yeah just look at America and the flop known as the Prohibition back in the 20's. People still found ways to get their fix of alcohol.
That's a drastic move all of
That's a drastic move all of the sudden. I doubt people would accept it that easily. Maybe implementing treatment centers first and then banning smoking would be wiser, smokers that want to quit need to have an effective options to succeed. I hope the new change will be a success.
Samm, drug rehabs in Washington
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