When I was 14 we hid behind sheds and went to elaborate attempts to conceal our smoking. There was no dignity in hurriedly stubbing out one of mum's stolen cigarettes, scrubbing our fingers with soap, and brushing teeth as dad pulled into the driveway. We wouldn't dare smoke in a cafe! Apart from someone telling our parents, the staff would have demanded ID.
Contrast this tobacco restrictive culture with that of Indonesia's where nearly every male adult is a smoking role model, kids freely access cigarettes, and smoking indoors is tolerated. This photo, taken in South Sumatera in 2009 depicts a breach of the law, but not what you might think. The tobacco consumption minimum age of 18 years old didn't come into effect until 2012. However a 2005 Perda (peraturan daerah- regional law) prohibits smoking in indoor public places, so both the children and adult are breaking the law. This law was originally decreed in 2004 but was adopted in discord, with regions today still failing to establish it. Even in quick off the mark South Sumatera, it took several years to be properly enforced and until 2012 was not taken seriously. Palembang South Sumatera is now leading the pack with its commitment to establishing smoke-free zones, making Jco staff much more confident to politely ask smokers to refrain.
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