The Natural Philosopher wrote:
On 10/08/14 17:08, Mike Barnes wrote:
sports are generally regarded as beneficial to society. Smoking
isn't.

Generally regarded. But it is of immense benefit to society. The
taxes alone are billions. And the fact that smokers die quickly and
unequivocally means less NHS bills for the rest of us to pay.

Some would disagree.

http://ash.org.uk/files/documents/ASH_121.pdf

"Smoking is a health problem, the costs of which include sickness, pain,
grief and misery. But tobacco use also imposes a significant economic
burden on society. In addition to the direct medical costs of treating
tobacco-induced illnesses there are other indirect costs including loss
of productivity, fire damage and environmental harm from cigarette
litter and destructive farming practices. The total burden caused by
tobacco products more than outweighs any economic benefit from their
manufacture and sale."

--
Mike Barnes
Cheshire, England