Pushing the limits of tobacco control; How far can the state go in order to save us from our 'sins'?

Background: When the Tobacco Control Community argue for tax hikes, reduced accessability to cigarettes and limitation in oportunities to smoke, it is pointed out that a large segment of smokers actually want to quit, and that putting up constraints may help them pursue thier desire. (the help-argument). However, for those who want to continue smoking for reasons that for them appear rational, such measures may appear unwnted, punitive and coercive. This presentation will discuss some challenges that regulators will face in a further tightening of structural measures to curb smoking in countries with an already robust infra-structure for tobacco control.

Methods:  Central to our discussion is the research concerned with the concept of state-paternalism - the line between an ethically justified interference with the freedom of those who smoke and an exaggerated infringement disproportionate to the same people's right to live as they choose. We ask; If smokers are aware of and have acceted the risks, are willing to pay the price, smoke in designated areas and make decisions uninfluenced by persuasive messages from manufactures - is further thightening of anti-smoking measures still legitimate?

Results: A recently published study, applying a comprehensive index for quitting smoking interest, found that approximately half of the smokers in Norway had little or no desire to quit (Saebo & Lund 2023). In this presentation we problemize the 'help argument' and discuss the authorities' right to elevate the zero-vision of smoking as universally applicable, while at the same time setting up barriers to switching to alternative nicotine products with reduced risk. 

Conclusion: We recommend that a further intensification of smoking control in countries that already have a well-developed policy in this area requires that regulators start to exploit the opportunity that lies in the ongoing diversificatin of the recreational nicotine market. 

Ref: Saebo G & Lund KE. Indexing quit-smoking interest among Norwegian smokers 2019-2021. J Smok Cessat 2023; doi:10.1155/2023/9536270