SIR – In a further attempt by Whitehall to protect us from ourselves, as of April 6 it became illegal to display tobacco products in certain premises, with the threat of imprisonment if flouted by a vendor.
The question is, where will these measures to safeguard the population end?
Following concerns expressed by dental professionals regarding the increase in gum disease among the young, could shop owners be compelled to conceal stocks of chocolates and sweets from view under the counter?
Due to escalating juvenile obesity, possibly resulting from junk foods, will windows of fast-food outlets require covering, thus reducing the temptation by the unwary to enter and consume its allegedly harmful produce?
With increasing liver failure from alcohol abuse, would drinks be served in opaque glasses, making the contents appear less attractive to potentially impressionable consumers?
In health and safety terms, if an employer exposed staff to hazardous substances, leading to possible heart, oral, lung or liver disease, the consequences to that organisation would be extremely severe.
However, it would appear those in power have conducted a risk assessment concluding that the projected loss to the economy in tax revenue is totally unacceptable if these apparently irrefutably unhealthy substances were outlawed entirely.
ROBIN SMITH
Worcester
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