As I sit here, my fingers fidgeting with a pack of cigarettes, I can’t help but reflect on the role these little sticks of tar and nicotine have had in my life. I am a smoker, a habit that I picked up when I was a teenager and have been unable to shake off since. In the UK, where I currently live, cigarettes have become a ubiquitous part of the culture. But beyond the smoke-filled pubs and designated smoking areas, there is a dark and unsettling reality behind this habit.
Cigarettes, or “fags” as they are often referred to in the UK, have a rich history in this country. They were once considered a luxury item, only smoked by the wealthy elite. In fact, in the 17th century, King James I famously wrote a treatise on the dangers of smoking, proclaiming it a filthy and disgusting habit. Ironically, it was his grandson, King James II, who began the trend of royal tobacco use. By the 19th century, cigarettes had become more affordable and popular amongst the working classes, leading to a rise in tobacco production and the birth of tobacco companies such as British American Tobacco and Imperial Tobacco.
Fast forward to present day, and cigarettes are now a highly regulated and taxed commodity in the UK. The most noticeable aspect of this is the plain packaging. Gone are the days of flashy logos and colorful designs, now all cigarette packs are required to have a dark green background with health warnings covering 65% of the front and back of the pack. The only distinguishing feature is the brand name, written in standard font and size. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult for tobacco companies to market their products and attract new customers.
But despite these restrictions, cigarettes can still be found everywhere in the UK. From the local corner shop to the big supermarkets, there is always a wall of different brands and prices to choose from. And let’s not forget the iconic cigarette store, a staple on most high streets. These shops not only sell cigarettes but also a variety of smoking paraphernalia, such as lighters, rolling papers and tobacco. As a smoker, I have come to rely on these stores to purchase my cigarettes, often forgetting that they also sell other products.
One of the most fascinating (and disturbing) aspects of cigarette culture in the UK is the social acceptance of smoking. Despite the constant warnings and awareness campaigns about the dangers of smoking, it is still seen as a normal and acceptable habit. In fact, it is not uncommon to see parents smoking in front of their children, or groups of friends sharing a cigarette outside a pub. It can also be seen as a bonding activity, with smokers often huddling together outside to indulge in a smoke break. As a smoker, I have experienced the camaraderie that comes with being part of this group, a bond formed over a shared love of cigarettes.
But beyond the social acceptance, there are also darker aspects to the cigarette culture in the UK. For one, the price of cigarettes is constantly on the rise. In the past decade alone, the average cost of a pack of cigarettes has nearly doubled, thanks in part to the high taxes imposed by the government. As a result, many smokers, myself included, have resorted to rolling their own cigarettes using rolling tobacco, which is significantly cheaper. But even this is becoming more difficult as the government has also raised taxes on tobacco products.
The high price of cigarettes has also led to a rise in counterfeit products. In the UK, it is estimated that 10% of all cigarettes sold are counterfeit, leading to a loss of millions of pounds in taxes for the government. And with the rise of online shopping, it has become even easier for people to purchase these fake cigarettes. As a smoker, I am constantly bombarded with offers of discounted cigarettes from online sellers, a tempting option for those trying to save a few pounds.
But perhaps the most alarming aspect of the cigarette culture in the UK is the impact it has on public health. It is no secret that smoking is detrimental to one’s health, with a host of illnesses and diseases attributed to this habit. The government has taken steps to reduce smoking rates, such as banning smoking in all public enclosed spaces, including pubs and restaurants. And yet, according to a report by the Office for National Statistics, 14.7% of adults in the UK still smoke, with a higher percentage in lower-income households.
As a smoker, I am very much aware of the health risks associated with smoking. But the addiction to nicotine is a powerful one, and simply quitting is not as easy as it sounds. I have tried several times to quit, only to find myself reaching for a cigarette when I’m feeling stressed or anxious. It’s a vicious cycle that many smokers struggle with, and with limited support and resources, it can be a difficult habit to kick.
In conclusion, the cigarette culture in the UK is a complex and multifaceted issue. From its rich history to its social acceptance and health consequences, cigarettes have become an integral part of the culture. As a smoker, I can’t say that I am proud of my habit, but it is a difficult one to break. However, with stricter regulations and continued efforts to educate the public about the dangers of smoking, I can only hope that the cigarette culture in the UK will eventually decline and healthier habits will emerge.