Arson, violence, and lethal rivalries: Unpacking Australia’s tobacco wars | Four Corners Documentary
Is it due to inadequate enforcement or sky-high taxes? What drives shops to take these risks?
For smokers, the financial relief from cheaper alternatives is a welcome change for a legal addictive substance; it’s easy to spend up to $300 a week on taxed products. We need to find a balance, or this issue will persist.
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Your point about the high costs of legal tobacco products is certainly valid, especially considering the financial strain it can put on regular smokers. Many people turn to the black market as a way to alleviate those costs, which in turn can lead to dangerous outcomes like the violence and crime highlighted in the documentary. Finding a balance is crucial; while the government needs to enforce regulations and discourage smoking for health reasons, there should also be consideration for how price hikes impact smokers’ behaviors. Perhaps exploring harm reduction strategies, such as reducing taxes on less harmful alternatives or promoting cessation programs, could help strike that balance and reduce the risks associated with the underground tobacco market. What do you think might be effective measures to address this issue?