Telling another person what one thinks of their lifestyle is a touchy business.
Though we do it all the time in the name of the social good, public health etc.
If being a "brother's keeper" isn't fully digestible then contributing towards
the health of youth can be more palatable. However, when it comes to tobacco
the majority of Canadians support greater government controls and nearly all
want to reduce youth access; this feeling prevails even amongst the youth and
cigarette retailers!
 
 Shortly after introducing the federal "tobacco sales to young persons act",
of 149 randomly selected merchants in Ontario, ony 7.4% said retailers should
be able to sell cigarettes to minors. This is interesting since most of these
merchants had just been introduced to the concept of administering (selling) a
government restricted product.
 
 Therfore the stage is developing where we now have a social environment in
which the majority are saying there are some rules that need to go with tobac-
co use. These rules are primarily being made in the name of public health to
counteract less acceptable individual lifestyles and the economic interests of
tobacco companies. This is certainly less threatening than having to directly
tell someone you don't agree with their choice of activity - whether selling
cigarettes to kids or sending ets across your table. The merchants don't have
to make value judgements and possibly offend a customer, they simply point to
a sign which points out the law. Bland bureacrats can enforce the law, regard-
less of their personal opinions.
 
 The above views could go on in numerous directions but I'm intested obtaining
feedback on whether there is an existing model, theory or framework which can
be used to guide public health policy/decisionmakers to assess the necessity of
 developing publicly funded educational or enforcement programs. For the second
part, in which I am most interested, is there an existing methodology or model
for determining the most effective mix of the two types (or other) of programs?
I have a few thoughts on this but would appreciate comments or references that
any of you might have. Please respond to the list or myself. I'll also send
this to a list on psychology & law for their perspective:
 
Ron Dovell
Kingston Ont.
ph (613) 549 1232 ext.259
fax (613) 549 7896
email:  [log in to unmask]