The same is certainly true in Australia. Smokers cost the healthcare system far less because they die sooner and faster. Of course, the value and efficiency of

The same is certainly true in Australia. Smokers cost the healthcare system far less because they die sooner and faster. Of course, the value and efficiency of a healthcare system isn't measured in how little you can spend per a person but instead at what cost can you keep people healthy. In the case of smokers there's no way at any price point for the healthcare system to provide long term positive outcomes so it ends up being cheaper. That's not a good thing. Obviously I know this isn't what you're arguing. You're right in saying that alcohol and tobacco taxes aren't used to offset higher costs to healthcare. In most cases they're supposed to be a cost pressure to change consumption.