Smoking is a deadly obsession that negatively affects not only the consumer but those in the vicinity of cigarettes being absorbed.

Tobacco use is an expensive drain on the health system and youths are conned into taking it up because it is perceived as "cool".

However, Windermere independent MLC Ivan Dean's bill to ban anyone born this century, from buying cigarettes is a questionable solution. It borders on limiting a democratic linchpin: freedom of choice.

People, particularly youths, when told they can't have something, often rebel and seek to obtain it by any means.

The alcohol prohibition in the US during the early 20th century was an abject failure that only resulted in a chaotic underworld market, littered with crime and murder. It would also be extremely difficult to police.

Should Tasmania become the first to take the unlikely radical step towards selective prohibition on cigarettes, those banned will find a way to have a puff.

Reducing Tasmania's sky-high smoking rates is paramount for endless reasons and the political influence of fat cat tobacco firms should be quashed to nil.

Several initiatives such as plain package labelling, designated smoking areas, a ban on puffing in cars with children aboard and a move to smoke-free events have already been implemented along with various educational material.

Why not limit the places where people can buy cigarettes to a small number? They may be out of sight on shelves these days, but limit the number of shelves.

Why not flood that education material into schools, which was marginally there in my high school tenure almost a decade ago?

Why not enforce a universal ban on smoking at work and in public areas? There are better ways of tackling a serious issue than telling people they can't do or have something, which more than likely will evoke an adverse reaction.

However, no matter what is implemented, it needs to be properly policed and enforced - otherwise reform becomes redundant.

Some of my family members and friends smoke, and like others, I choose not to. That's fine, it's their choice. I don't begrudge or marginalise them.

It represents freedom's glory.