But yet they say sales are up for cigarettes. So I am not sure how accurate that information is Gary.
In Saskatchewan where I am it is illegal for any retail outlet that offers cigarettes for sale to have them out in the open where a child may see them. This I find amusing as well. All they have done is increased the curiosity of the kids as to what lurks behind the curtains. And for those who have parents that do smoke they know what is behind all the curtains. Maybe they should put those descriptive pictures on the curtains as well to discourage people.
I'm not sure that your statement, "It also helps that the population here is among the best educated in the world" is not somewhat bias. I think there are well educated people all over the world and a lot of them smoke. There are ordinances in my area as well that make it illegal for you to smoke within 20' of certain buildings. We also have had smoke free public buildings, businesses, bars and restaurants for years and cigarette machines are usually only seen in bars. As far as the "Sin Tax" as you called it, would someone please tell me how much of that actually goes back to Cancer Research. I bet there is more going towards politicians than there is research.
David