[dbaupp]

I agree. I'm Australian, and I'm so used to the very hard line on smoking (e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cigarette_packets_in_Australia) that the European attitude is really annoying, and I'm very surprised when I openly see ads for cigarettes and even vending machines.

It's probably something I'll never understand, since (to me) it is an obviously bad idea to inhale the carcinogenic burnt residue of some paper and leaves which has well-known, major long-term health impacts as well as compelling you to continue doing so, and to pay for the privilege (not to mention the damage done to others, and the smell all through ones clothes, etc.). Eurgh, the big cigarette companies (and their ad agencies/publicity departments) are some of the scum of the Earth.