We are working on a brand new version of the game! If you want to stay informed, read our blog and register for our mailing list.
Bill: Tobacco Reinstatement Act
Details
Submitted by[?]: National Imperial Hobrazian Front
Status[?]: defeated
Votes: This is an ordinary bill. It requires more yes votes than no votes. This bill will not pass any sooner than the deadline.
Voting deadline: December 2064
Description[?]:
As the prohibition on the sale and consumption of tobacco products creates many problems, its legality should be reinstated. Since banning it altogether creates a black market where it can be freely purchased by anybody, it becomes a necessity to legalize it in order to supervise its regulation. This system allows children to buy these products at very early ages, thus putting them in more danger to addiction than they would be if tobacco was on the market. Furthermore, it is ultimately up to the individual whether or not he or she wishes to consume tobacco. A warning label should be printed on every product explaining the potential health risks of usage. However, the averse effects of cigarettes, cigars, etc. are widely known and it should rest in the hands of the consumers as to whether or not they indulge in this practice. In order to protect those who may be harmed by secondhand smoke, smoking around minors would be unlawful as would tobacco consumption during pregnancy. |
Proposals
Article 1
Proposal[?] to change Government policy towards smoking.
Old value:: Smoking is legal outdoors and in private homes and clubs, but illegal indoors in all places of employment.
Current: Smoking regulations are to be determined by local governments.
Proposed: Smoking is legal outdoors and in private homes and clubs, but illegal indoors in places of employment, with the exception of places that primarily serve liquor.
Debate
These messages have been posted to debate on this bill:
Date | 08:40:41, June 03, 2005 CET | From | United Blobs | To | Debating the Tobacco Reinstatement Act |
Message | There is always going to be a black market when there are any restrictions (here's a nice real world eaxample - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1169049.stm). |
Date | 16:03:25, June 03, 2005 CET | From | We Say So! Party | To | Debating the Tobacco Reinstatement Act |
Message | problems with reintroducing tobacco products onto the market are: 1. The increase in expenditure on the Health Service when it is finally introduced. It is the improved health of the people that would be harmed with this reintroduction. 2. Though the disallowment of smoking in Public locations is admirable, what about the health of children who's parents smoke? These people are adversly affected by the harmful toxins contained within these products, not to mention the possible problems with children whilst in the womb. 3. Black market problems are going to exist with any product, be they legal or illegal. Instead of allowing the sale of these products we should be improving the state of our border controls so as to stop the illegal importation of these goods. |
Date | 06:54:48, June 05, 2005 CET | From | National Imperial Hobrazian Front | To | Debating the Tobacco Reinstatement Act |
Message | True, there will always be a black market. It will, however, be less of a nuisance if legalized. In response to the points made by WSS: 1. That's an issue that can be dealt with once health services are implemented into the game engine. 2. I will add a clause stating that it is illegal to smoke around children or while pregnant. 3. That would be a gargantuan misuse of funds. A fine example of a failure of such a practice is the United States' "War on Drugs" that started under the Reagan administration in the 80s. The US government spends countless taxpayer dollars on border control, yet the demand for drugs has not decreased and they are still easily accessible. |
Date | 21:10:49, June 08, 2005 CET | From | United Blobs | To | Debating the Tobacco Reinstatement Act |
Message | That extra clause is unenforcable in any case and would not affect our judgement - smoking harms everyone, not just children |
subscribe to this discussion - unsubscribe
Voting
Vote | Seats | |||
yes | Total Seats: 58 | |||
no |
Total Seats: 124 | |||
abstain |
Total Seats: 202 |
Random fact: Players have a responsibility to make a reasonable effort to be accurate when communicating the rules to other players. Any player who manipulatively misleads another player about the rules will be subject to sanction. |
Random quote: "Most politicians hold their fingers to the wind, and if we win we'll be showing them a lot of wind." - Ralph Nader |