"The illicit tobacco trade offers products at lower prices, primarily by avoiding government taxes through smuggling, illegal manufacturing and counterfeiting. Cheaper tobacco encourages younger tobacco users (who generally have lower incomes) and cuts government revenues, reducing the resources available for socioeconomic development, especially in low-income countries that depend heavily on consumption taxes. This money might otherwise be spent on the provision of public services, including health care."They've got some neck, haven't they, considering the WHO's FCTC has demanded global taxes, bans and restrictions on the legal product which are solely responsible for making tobacco such an increasingly profitable trade for criminals. Good grief.
I'll miss their self-righteous circle jerk on Sunday as (weather permitting) I'll be watching some cricket with - contrary to the WHO's bleating - an e-cig and a fat cigar for the lunch interval. Still, before they embark upon their miserable 'stop-doing-that-cos-I-don't-like-it' Sunday - quite an appropriate day for the new religion of 'public health', I thought - we can all celebrate something far more friendly and genial.
So, why not crack your pack and offer someone a tab today - on #FagDay - in the spirit of admiration and respect for your fellow man. It's a nigh on century long tradition doncha know.
