"Australia proposes tough tobacco rules" by Associated Press | April 30, 2010
SYDNEY — “The new branding for cigarettes will be the most hard-line regime in the world, and cigarette companies will hate it,’’ Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said....
I'm sorry, what was that?
I was lighting up, cough.
Rudd said the tough stance is justified by the high cost of treating smoking-related illnesses....
Then why do MSM and government promote it, and why does the U.S. lay sanctions on people who won't take our smoking products?
One way of killing them off I guess.
You are going to upset some people!
"Public smoking ban goes into effect in Syria" by Associated Press | April 22, 2010
DAMASCUS — A smoking ban that few are expected to abide by went into effect in Syria yesterday, a country where people light up even in hospitals.
So how many heads are going to be taken off because of withdrawals?
The ban targets most public places such as restaurants, cafes, schools, universities, hospitals, parks, movie theaters, museums, and public transport.
The law, which also forbids the sale of cigarettes to minors, was approved six months ago by President Bashar Assad, a British-trained eye doctor.
Couldn't see through the smoke, doc (cough)?
The Middle East’s favorite pastime — smoking water pipes — is also prohibited in public under the new law except in well-ventilated and designated areas.
Wait until the streets fill up with angry smokers!
You want to start a revolution?
Forget looting, lying, and wars; just THREATEN PEOPLE'S SMOKES and DRINKS and watch 'em HIT the STREET!!
Also outlawed are tobacco advertising and the sale and import of sweets and toys modeled after tobacco products.
Offenders will face fines ranging between $45 and $870 and a possible 3 to 12 months in jail.
“The ban is good, but I doubt I will stop smoking,’’ said businessman Bassam Shanna, 47.
It's hard with all those addictive chemicals. Hardest thing known to man.
The ban’s effects are already being felt in Damascus’s famous cafes.
The normally bustling indoor area of the Nowfara Cafe in the city’s downtown area was almost entirely empty yesterday.
Oh, that will help business. Once that group gets roaring government will cave.
“Fifty people would be sitting here if it weren’t for the ban’’ complained the manager, Shadi Rabbat.
However, the cafe’s terrace was crowded with some 50 customers smoking water pipes.
Next thing you know they will be in the alley like over here.
“We hope the government will reconsider the ban,’’ said another cafe owner who refused to give his name because he feared reprisals by the authorities....
As he took a toke?
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Smoke 'em if you got 'em!
