Herd Abstinence

With the public smoking ban in force in July, over 2M people are going to try and give up smoking today for national no smoking day

Current stats say that about 85K people normally quit on this day each year, so this represents a massive increase in people who are going to try.

Stats for Ireland, seem to show a decrease in respiratory illness and some evidence for decreased cigarette sales.

But there is little evidence of the Government planning for a decrease in tax revenue from tobacco sales over the next few years. (but if anyone knows differently, please correct me!)

So top-down legislation is what was required all along? Or is the timing perfect that legislation has met a powerful group or herd mentality to quit? Or will people will find clever little work arounds (like your favourite pub becoming members only, or possible installing one of these)

Will we actually become a healthier nation?

I won't hold my breath. I'm off to rehab, thank you very much.