There is other side/aspect to this argument. People who claim that they can be killed by smoking as by anything else DEPEND on the WELFARE SYSTEM or Free Medical Service system in countries like New Zealand. WHY the Government and people's taxes shall support someone's bad habits and the medical issues generated due to those bad habits. Why that enormous burden on public exchequer shall not be utilised for better medical care to those who live a healthy lifestyle and keep away from tobacco - chewing or smoking or intaking in any other manner whatsoever!? I am all for ban on tobacco products in market - every kind, except for medicinal and scientific purposes.

I have been a smoker for a long time. However, I am of the view that the tobacco should be banned because (a) it is addictive (b) it takes away many choices after it becomes an addiction (c) its use has many health-based issues and it is scientifically proven (d) it has an economic value, which money saved, can be used positively.

Tobacco can only have limited usage for medicinal purposes and like many kinds of poisons, shall be banned except for scientific and medicinal purposes. The argument about "free trade" etc. does not hold good. If we extend the same arguments, the world should have been free of hunger, poverty and many diseases by now. Period.