I grew up in a household with two smoking parents, and it sucked. So on a personal level, nothing would be better than the world collectively giving up the nasty habit. However, I would never, ever advocate or vote for forcing people to do that. Why? Because you could make the exact same case for every single vice. Alcohol has zero benefits for your health - don't even try to give me the "but wine has antioxidants" B…
Yes.
Read the history of Teddy Roosevelt & the Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-history
If you're familiar with the political culture of Australasia, you'll realise it's an overwhelming "nanny state" culture.
Also, you'll realise that Australia/New Zealand have the highest HDI indicators of any nation globally with mean winter temperatures above 10 degree Celsius.
Why?
Because Australia and New Zealand have a particular cultural value others don't.
They trust technocratic experts to know what's best for people. And implement.