Editorial: Time to give up smoking

Bay smokers are unhappy about the New Year's tax increase in tobacco.

Before Christmas, the Bay was hit by monsoon-like rain. The windscreen wipers in the car could barely keep up. I drove past a sorry sight - a group of smokers, huddled outside a building and sucking in the nicotine despite getting soaked.

However much I detest the smell, I don't hate smokers. Good people I know smoke. I nag them to give up. I sympathise with them, for they are locked in addiction arguably stronger than the grip of any other drug.

In Tuesday's Bay of Plenty Times we reported that Bay smokers are unhappy about the New Year's tax increase in tobacco, which has driven tobacco products up by about $4. It is the third year in a row to start with a 10 per cent tax rise. Another rise is due in 2016.

If a smoker needs a pack a day, the increases mean he is likely to spend $140 a week on the habit. Who has $140 a week to burn?

Hitting smokers in the pocket will hopefully see more people give up. Quitline say it is their busiest month.

Other smokers seem completely in denial. Special T Discounters shop assistant Caroline Paterson said people coming into the store complained that smokers were being targeted.

It has become somewhat of a stigma to be a smoker. So much so that the smoker we interviewed for our story would not even give her last name.

But this is good. The Government has a right and responsibility to promote health and wellbeing. Smokers are not only affecting their own health but that of others. The cost of treating smoking related illnesses is subsidised by non smokers. The level of some smokers' unwillingness to give up has some turning to electronic cigarettes. These are not a proven safe alternative.

Last year a World Health Organisation report said despite releasing vapour instead of smoke, the devices still pollute the air with harmful chemicals. It recommended they also be banned inside cafes, restaurants and workplaces, and have advertising limits.

The report warned of the tobacco industry's growing influence in the e-cigarette market. Smokers who switch to using electronic cigarettes may be just switching one addiction for another.

Smokers should just grit their teeth, suck in the oxygen, be strong and give up.