It’s not just a U.S. issue; there are smokers around the world who wish they never had taken “that first puff” of a cigarette — for health or other reasons, including the cost of continuing the habit.

Regardless, smokers are likely to be interested in following a story out of the United Kingdom about an attempt to eventually ban smoking.

Three important questions hang over the U.K. effort to create what already is being dubbed as Britain’s “first smoke-free generation.”

Those questions are:

Is the U.K. effort a prime example of government over-reach, since tobacco use is not considered a criminal offense in nations that consider themselves enlightened societies?

Will U.K. residents rebel against too much perceived intrusion into their private lives?

Will this effort trigger other countries — or, in the United States, individual states — to try to imitate what Britain is doing, in the way Britain is doing it?

In the United States, of course, similar-type scenarios are in play in some states regarding whether adults are allowed to smoke in a car in which children –even their own — are present.

The landmark British proposal would make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born after Jan. 1, 2009. Once implemented, the legal age of sale will be raised by one year, every year until it is eventually illegal for all.

Opponents in Britain say the planned phase-out risks creating a black market and treating future generations of adults like children.

Those opinions are worthy of continuing debate.

The issue will make for interesting debate over government’s role in our lives. Is government there to serve and protect, or to rule over us?