Smoking has well-known health risks, and it is important that people fully appreciate these risks. Informed adults should, however, have the freedom to choose to smoke if they wish. Minors, on the other hand, are still developing the skills needed to make an informed decision and must therefore not smoke nor use any tobacco products.
ESTA fully supports programmes aimed at preventing minors from smoking, and our members subscribe to putting an end to youth smoking.
Non-smokers should not be involuntarily exposed to tobacco smoke in enclosed, indoor public spaces. Environmental tobacco smoke is perceived as a nuisance and an irritant. Respect and consideration for non-smokers is vital, and people must always be aware of how their lifestyle choices impact those around them. Equally, smokers should not be ostracised for electing to smoke. The most appropriate policy response is to enforce measures that provide smoke-free environments for non-smokers whilst accommodating smokers through designated, ventilated smoking areas. Pragmatism rather than dogmatism should be the guiding principle that sees adult choices respected.
The regulation of smoking should, like all public policy, be reasonable, proportionate and evidence based.
Tobacco is one of the most regulated consumer products in Europe, with regulation addressing all stages from production to marketing, sales and use. Tobacco control measures range from age limits on purchasing and prohibiting advertising to mandatory health warnings and restricting product innovation. Tobacco is also the subject of publicly funded information campaigns on the health risks of smoking and ways to quit. All regulation must be proportionate and rely on evidence. Smoking is a health issue, not a ‘moral’ one. Governments have a responsibility to remind citizens of the risks of smoking, but smokers should not be punished by governments for the personal choices they make.