The same is certainly true in Australia. Smokers cost the healthcare system far less because they die sooner and faster. Of course, the value and efficiency of a healthcare system isn&#x27;t measured in how little you can spend per a person but instead at what cost can you keep people healthy. In the case of smokers there&#x27;s no way at any price point for the healthcare system to provide long term positive outcomes so it ends up being cheaper. That&#x27;s not a good thing.<p>Obviously I know this isn&#x27;t what you&#x27;re arguing. You&#x27;re right in saying that alcohol and tobacco taxes aren&#x27;t used to offset higher costs to healthcare. In most cases they&#x27;re supposed to be a cost pressure to change consumption.