Then what happened?

Better regulation, better enforcement, anti-smoking advertising campaigns, banning public smoking, and drastically reduced amongst youth and the general public.

Cigarette regulation to reduce smoking starting in the mid/late 90s is the poster child for public policy done well.

I don't think it worked. I was floored by how much smoking I saw on a recent trip to Europe, by young people of all. Scary slogans on the packs, no effect. Cigs are barely a thing in the states now, you are kind of a low caste pariah if you smoke, but I guess vaping and cannabis picked up the baton. I am an ex pack-a-day smoker myself, but quit about 10y ago. Don't crave cigs or the smell, but do crave nicotine.