Veronique, thanks for the link . . .

The proposed outdoor smoking ban is a reminder that the anti-tobacco jihad — at least these days — is much, much more to do about control than health. The only question now remains how much further along the road to tobacco prohibition big government is prepared to go. Quite some way, would be my guess. Arguments about individual freedom don’t count for much these days (and will count for less once more health care is paid for directly by the taxpayer), and as the continuing fiasco of the drug wars reveal, the lessons of history count for nothing at all.

Meanwhile, and on a related topic, from the U.K, there’s this . . .

A total ban on alcohol advertising must be introduced by the Government to halt an epidemic of problem drinking, doctors’ leaders say. A report from the British Medical Association (BMA) has called for a sea change in the approach to alcohol regulation to halt promotions including happy hours and sponsorship of music and sports events. The move is necessary to stem the invidious ways it is promoted, particularly to young people, it said.

Ah yes. “For the young people.”