Four extreme anti-smoking tactics that STILL failed.

The anti-smoking movement is hoping to stop smoking through policies such as:

• increased taxes
• pub and car bans
• a policy of denormalisation

But despite the protests of smoker's rights groups, these are nothing compared to what anti-smokers did in the past:

Imprisoning smokers

The first person to smoke in Europe, Rodrigo de Jerez, also became the first victim of the anti-smoking lobby, jailed for several years by the inquisition.

Torturing Smokers

Czar Alexander whipped smokers and slit their noses.

Execution

Shah Shefi poured hot lead down the throats of tobacco sellers, while the Czar Alexander decapitated repeat offenders. Turkey, Persia and India also killed nicotine users. 

Sending Smokers to Hell

His Holiness Pope Clement VIII threatened excommunication to anyone who smoked in a holy place.

Failure

Whatever authorities tried, people still smoked.

 

The case for alternatives

It makes sense to encourage people to quit smoking, and indeed nicotine. 

However, while some people will quit for good, it's worth remembering that despite every effort in the past, people still smoked. 

So for those people who can't or don't want to quit smoking, it's important to ensure there are reduced harm alternatives available - whether that's vaping, nicotine pouches or something else entirely.