Socks?

[Oz Referee]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I'm curious, have smoking rates gone down in your country?

Absolutely! In around 1985 the advertising of tobacco in print, tv and radio was banned. Then circa 1990 tobacco sponsorship in sporting events was banned. Up until then our major football code was sponsored by our most popular tobacco company. This ban created a few issues with international motor sport, but they had an exemption until around 1998 that allowed them to use tobacco logos, but not brand names. Recently, laws have been passed that prohibit smoking from ALL pubs, bars and food outlets (except some designated locations like special rooms in casinos). Smoking is also illegal in a motor veichle if there is a child under the age of 16 in it. There is currently talk of banning smoking in public places, it is already banned on many beaches.
As well, there have been changes to the packaging of tobacco, there are now large, graphic photos on the packs showing the effects of smoking.
These change have had a dramatic impact on the rate of teens smoking. In 1980 about 35% of teens smoked regularly and around 85% had tried tobacco. Today those numbers are around 15% and 45% respectively.