Re: Let me expand your reference frame a bit..
The tax issue is a red herring - just apply the tax to the liquids and that job is done. Nil additional cost to smokers, but massive benefit to the NHS.
Ah, but you can't just go and slap a tax on anything you like. That's why you first need to establish the need for "control" and all, which is what this phase 1 is about. Phase 2 is making sure benefits are derived from this addiction by the usual gangs (governments and tobacco companies). I'm willing to bet that at some point you will end up with a requirement to license this stuff. Once that happens, the small operators will disappear, and the big boys move back to their comfortable monopoly position.
Come on, they're not even being subtle about it.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
