The Welsh Government has announced its ambition to make Wales 'smoke-free' by 2030, 'smoke-free' being five per cent or less of the population.
To achieve this aim the Welsh Government has launched a 'consultation' (closing date January 31, 2022) that will 'seek people’s views on how to create a smoke-free society in Wales'.
Clearly there is to be no discussion or debate about whether a 'smoke-free society' is desirable, merely how to achieve it.
By implication therefore the views of those who do NOT support the creation of a ‘smoke-free society’ have no place in the consultation and will be ignored.
Great news for anti-smoking zealots and vaping advocates who share the goal of eradicating smoking and making combustible tobacco obsolete but not so good for those of us who believe in freedom of choice.
With that in mind I issued this statement on behalf of Forest:
“Tobacco is a legal product. No-one should be forced to quit smoking yet freedom of choice and personal responsibility are being replaced by coercion and creeping prohibition.
“If people choose not to smoke that’s fine but setting a target for a smoke-free Wales is a green light for politicians and campaigners who seem determined to regulate and control people’s lives.
“Instead of imposing further restrictions on adults who smoke, a more progressive policy would focus on education and harm reduction.
“Smokers should be informed about safer nicotine products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco but ultimately, if adults still choose to smoke, that choice must be respected by government and society.”
I'd love to know what 'cut 'n' paste' is in Welsh because when it comes to smoking the media in Wales rarely looks beyond the press releases that are issued by the Welsh Government and the likes of ASH Wales.
On this occasion however our response was reported by BBC News, ITV Wales and The Leader/North Wales Chronicle.
We obviously have a job on our hands to get the views of confirmed smokers heard but I enjoy a challenge.
Bring it on or, as they say in Wales, dewch â hi ymlaen!
See also: Ambition to make Wales smoke-free by 2030 (Welsh Government)
Update: The closing date for the consultation is now March 31, 2022.