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What would you think about your government banning the sale of alcohol and cigarettes during lockdown ?

My government here in South Africa has done this during our 3 week lockdown which started last Thurday.
I think a lot of addicts are going to be quite furious.
The government's reasons are as follows :
- Drinking and smoking weakens your immune system.
- It's also an attempt at reducing domestic violence caused by cabin fever.
- Being drunk reduces people's ability to be socially distant.
- The use of liquor “reduces a person’s ability to exercise the social distancing and personal hygiene required” to limit the spread of the virus from person to person.

I foresee many people breaking the law in order to get their fix. What do you think ?
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Lochlee · 51-55, F
The cigarette ban was strange though... wonder why.
Frank52 · 70-79, M
@Lochlee Is it to give one less reason to go out? Or have politicians got an interest in the black market trade?
Lochlee · 51-55, F
@Frank52 Now that you mention it..quite interesting, our black market trade in cigarettes is huge, with an estimated 33% (I googled it quickly ..might be more) of cigarettes being illegal. The book "The President's Keepers" linked our former President with those dealing in the illicit cigarette trade. So I wonder what the ban could achieve... encouraging underground... or trying starve that illicit flow? Food for thought.
chrisCA · M
@Lochlee Our cannabis stores are still open. Since Canada legalized recreational weed, the government is still competing with the black market. I doubt they want to give up any market share they have.
Lochlee · 51-55, F
@chrisCA You may be right on that. Dagga as we call it in SA was also legalised for personal use. I bet many a lockdown smoker wishes they had nurtured that "weed" when in popped up in the garden!
chrisCA · M
@Lochlee Lol. Many already do. Canadians are allowed to grow four plants legally.
Lochlee · 51-55, F
@chrisCA I can just see the lockdownees making a special note on the shopping list: potting soil, pot and seeds!
chrisCA · M
@Lochlee Some do have the time on their hands.