I have been a smoker for over 10 years now, and I have seen first-hand the impact that cigarettes have had on my life and on the society as a whole. As a resident of the United Kingdom, I have witnessed the changes in the cigarette industry and the way it is perceived by the government and the public. In this article, I would like to share my personal thoughts and experiences on cigarettes in the UK.
To start off, let’s talk about the cost of cigarettes in the UK. As a smoker, this is something that hits me hard every day. The cost of a pack of cigarettes has constantly been on the rise in the past few years, making it increasingly difficult for smokers to afford their habit. And with the rise in cost, there has also been an increase in taxes on cigarettes, which has made it even more expensive.
But why is this happening? The UK government has been actively trying to discourage smoking by increasing taxes and imposing strict regulations on the packaging and advertising of cigarettes. This is in line with their goal to reduce smoking rates and improve public health. However, as a smoker, I can’t help but feel targeted and discriminated against. It’s almost as if the government sees us as easy targets to fill their pockets.
But I do understand the health risks associated with smoking. I have seen the warnings on cigarette packs reminding me of the dangers of smoking, yet I continue to light up. It’s a choice that I have made, and I am fully aware of the consequences. However, I do believe that smokers should have the right to make their own choices without being heavily penalized for it.
Moving on to the availability of cigarettes in the UK, I have noticed a decrease in the number of shops that sell cigarettes. Some local shops and convenience stores have stopped selling them altogether, while supermarkets have significantly reduced their stock. This is again a result of the government’s efforts to discourage smoking. And while this may be seen as a positive step towards reducing smoking rates, it has made it much harder for smokers to access their preferred brand of cigarettes.
Moreover, with the rise of online shopping, many smokers have resorted to buying cigarettes from online retailers. While this may seem like a convenient option, it also opens up the risk of purchasing counterfeit cigarettes. These fake cigarettes not only pose a health risk but also affect the government’s tax revenue. This further highlights the need for better regulation of the cigarette industry.
A major change that has taken place in the UK regarding cigarettes is the introduction of plain packaging. Gone are the days of colorful cigarette packs with stylish designs. Now, all cigarette packs have a standard olive green color, with large graphic warnings covering most of the pack. This was implemented in 2016, and the aim was to make smoking less appealing, especially to the younger generation. However, from a personal perspective, I find the new packaging to be quite dull and unappealing. And despite this change, I haven’t noticed any significant decrease in the number of smokers.
Another aspect that I find interesting is the smoking ban in public places. In 2007, the UK government implemented a nationwide ban on smoking in all enclosed public places, including pubs, restaurants, and workplaces. This was a bold move, and I remember there being a lot of opposition and protests from smokers at the time. But over the years, it has become the norm, and as a smoker, I have learned to accept and respect it. However, I do miss being able to have a smoke while having a pint at my local pub.
While the smoking ban has been quite effective in reducing exposure to second-hand smoke, it has also resulted in the creation of designated smoking areas in public places. These areas are often crowded and poorly ventilated, making it unpleasant for both smokers and non-smokers. And since they are usually located outside, this also means that smokers have to brave the UK’s unpredictable weather conditions just to have a cigarette.
As a smoker, I have also noticed a shift in the way society perceives smoking in the UK. It is no longer seen as a cool or glamorous thing to do, as it was portrayed in the past. In fact, many people now look down upon smokers and see them as a burden to society. This, coupled with the increasing number of smoke-free zones, has created a social stigma around smoking. Many smokers, including myself, have experienced disapproving looks and comments from non-smokers while having a cigarette in public.
Despite all the challenges and changes that have taken place, I still continue to smoke. It’s a habit that I know I should quit, but it’s easier said than done. I have tried many times, but have always gone back to it. It’s an addiction that is hard to overcome. And while I appreciate the efforts of the government to reduce smoking rates, I believe that it’s a personal choice that should not be heavily influenced or controlled.
In conclusion, cigarettes in the UK have undergone significant changes in the past decade. From the rise in cost and taxes, to plain packaging and smoking bans, the government’s efforts to discourage smoking have been evident. As a smoker, I have seen the impact of these changes first-hand, and while I do understand the health risks associated with smoking, I also believe that smokers should have the right to make their own choices without being heavily penalized. At the end of the day, it’s a personal choice, and each individual should be responsible for their actions.