Tobacco and alcohol use are two of the leading preventable causes of death and disease worldwide.
Tobacco kills over 8 million people each year globally (WHO). Alcohol contribute to 3 million deaths annually, often through accidents, violence, liver damage, and cancers.
Key Public Health Strategies for Control
Ban on advertising, sponsorship, and promotion.
Strict legal age limits for sale and consumption.
Smoke-free zones and restrictions on public drinking.
Graphic health warnings and plain packaging (especially for tobacco).
Mandatory labelling for alcohol-related risks.
School-based awareness programs.
Monitoring and crackdown on illegal tobacco and alcohol sales.
Is it ethical for governments to profit from the sale of tobacco or alcohol while trying to control its use?
Tobacco and alcohol must be controlled strictly if not banned. Government never takes any actions regarding this because it’s busy making money through this.
I think it is hard to enforce a ban on such popular stimulants and substances among the general public, but it is also wrong to profit off of it while trying to project the message that it is harmful.
The government runs awareness campaigns, and on the other, they earn huge revenue from selling tobacco and alcohol. It feels like they’re making income from people’s weakness and addiction. If they truly care about public health, shouldn’t they take stronger actions instead of just warning labels? Controlling the damage while silently benefiting from it doesn’t seem right.
Tobacco and alcohol sale must be controlled strictly. It would be better if it is banned as the health problems arising out of it are a matter of great concern. The Government promotes advertisements that highlights the potential health issues associated with tobacco and alcohol use, yet, the fact that the same Government are taking profit from selling it, doesn’t look ethical and righteous.
It is utterly unethical for governments to profit from the sale of tobacco or alcohol while simultaneously attempting to control its use.
As citizens, we elect representatives to prioritize our country’s welfare, and it is the joint responsibility of both the government and citizens to address the significant issue of tobacco and alcohol consumption.
Government can explore alternative revenue streams to fund development initiatives, but failing to take strict measures against the promotion of these harmful substances, is truly unacceptable.
Strict actions are necessary to mitigate the adverse effects of tobacco and alcohol, and governments must prioritize public health over revenue generation.