I think it takes a variety of measures to reduce cigarette smoking. I would bet that the warning labels are the least effective. Have you looked at a common ladder lately, they have dozens of warning labels -everything has warning labels these days. It has diluted their effectiveness. Statistically, the number of smokers does decline when the price is raised. In California, in the SF Bay area 80% of the population is non-smoking Highest in the world). Reason: cost, education, health awareness and fitness conciousness. It also helps that the population here is among the best educated in the world. In my area they just passed an ordinance that you can't even smoke within 20' of a building. We have had smoke free public buildings, businesses, bars and restaurants for years now. Cigarette machines are illegal except in bars. Since ALL of us bear the health costs for those who refuse to modify their harmful health behaviours, it makes sense to raise the taxes on liquor and tobacco ("sin" tax). I personally am perplexed why the government just doesn't outright ban them but prohibition didn't work either and provided the foundation for organized crime to boot. And we don't want the government to be our "priest" either. I am not sure that I agree with Mark that "...WE all are guilty of some crime against humanity.", but I do believe that we are all flawed in varying degrees. Even the bible says that we are all born with original sin. Oddly we seem to treasure our vices inspite of the overwhelming evidence. 12 step programs can help.
I am happy to report that I quit smoking in 1976, drugs in 1986 and alcohol in 1995. I have tried my best to serve others, am a lay Christian counselour and active in various recovery and support groups. It's been said that "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing". So let me throw this out there -how would YOU correct this if you were the tobacco/substance abuse czar?