Because we need oxygen to live. A less absurd question might be "why do we still permit gambling and alcohol", which the article addresses: > One of the main a

Because we need oxygen to live. A less absurd question might be "why do we still permit gambling and alcohol", which the article addresses: > One of the main arguments for the continuance of tobacco sales is that the government should not dictate what vices the public engages in. This is a valid point. Alcohol and gambling are restricted but not prohibited; fast food is unrestricted (although New York City [USA] attempted the restriction of soft drink sizes but failed miserably); and, although government intervention is on the rise, few are protesting access to these products. These other ‘sins’, however, have at least some benefit. We need gasoline, we need to eat even if we occasionally do so at fast food restaurants, alcohol in moderation has benefits and gambling in moderation is entertaining for some. However, there is no moderation in tobacco. There is no level at which tobacco smoke is safe for the consumer or the people around them or, as we are seeing, even those who are exposed in a tertiary environment (I'm not expressing agreement or disagreement with the article, but I'm not sure how parent comment contributes anything to this post.)