In Belgium in the 60's, it was common practice to smoke between courses at meal times, at home, at work, or in restaurants.
At a company canteen, there was wine available from breakfast through the day, and cigarette machines all across the site.
As a recovering tobaccoholic, I can stay, without a trace of irony, it's a disgusting, filthy habit, that has killed many.
If it was 'invented' today, I suspect it would be banned, though the vaping business seems to be expanding, unabated.
I understand 'fags' are £15 for a pack of 20 these days!!
I can remember the outcry when, in the 70's the price was increased to 50 pence (ten bob
) for twenty.
I once heard a Philip Morris executives unguarded remark, that he wouldn't allow his children to start, "that dreadfully dangerous, filthy habit". That was the day I smoked my last 'ciggy'.