I didn't suggest they did.
What I said was that lay Catholics excuse their own smoking and drinking based on the priests participation of it.
At the very least, they are setting a bad example.
Why? What’s to excuse? If they are truly adiaphora how can participation (not abuse) of the thing be a “bad example?”
There are ministerial officers in my church and in my denomination that enjoy both alcohol and tobacco in various forms. I do myself. None of us have ever been convicted of setting a “bad example.” In fact, we have enough trouble trying to obey the real ones given in the Ten Commandments without trying to avoid faux “sin.”
Do you personally have a problem with abuse in this area? Perhaps you’re just projecting.