[They can appease the health fanatics, knowing that smokers will continue to buy cigarettes no matter how restrictive the laws become and the tax money will keep rolling in.]
This is true. All economics textbooks use smokers as an example of people who will pay any price at all for a product. They then explain why governments, therefore, chose to triple and quadruple the price of cigarrettes and earn big bucks. You can have 75% of the cost of a pack of cigarettes as taxes...and they will still pay. Wonderful idea.
In another timeline, it may have been another addictive product that got grandfathered in as acceptable. If that product didn't bother others, it would actually be encouraged because of all the tax revenue it can bring.
A great example of an addiction that doesn't bother the people in the immedaite vicinity will be gambling in Las Vegas. When I go to Vegas, I enjoy the big fountains at the Bellagio and the 4 star restaurants and the great shows...that are all subsidized by the addicated gamblers. I am thinking: gamble some more so they can build even more cool attractions...please gamble some more so I can always get a $49 room at the Luxor. ;-)
No we will not! Many smokers are now rolling their own. State coffers be damned. The lawmakers shot themselves in the foot with cigarette taxes. Believe me.
When I go to Vegas
Bet you don't bitch about the smokers in VEGAS now do you! That's because they have the huge smoke eaters. You have to look to see if anyone is smoking because you sure can't see or smell smoke.
Viva Las Vegas!