Someone said that these days a new trend is being seen in weddings. Earlier, cigarettes were presented to ‘baratis’ while alcoholic drinks were never served and the drinkers had to find some secluded places to have it. But these days cigarettes are not served and is looked at as something bad, but alcoholic drinks are being served to guests without any shame!
I think it basically reflects a battle between cigarette industry lobby Vs alcohol industry lobby. The later pays more taxes than the former and hence govts are more tolerant towards it. A big trend is that Cigarette industry is losing its power to control public opinion and govts decision.
If you think about it, the more common or cheaper is an addictive product, and hence more poorer people use it, govt is more freely trying to ban such products. E.g. Paan Masala is cheapest – it is banned in many states. Bidis are next cheapest – banned in many places. Cigarettes are next and hence Govts can afford to discourage it. Alcoholic drinks are costliest in the lot and hence Govts will allow it.
Also, because rich people have more empathy towards other rich people and most politicians in Govts are rich or become rich by the time they have power.
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal.
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