I have been a smoker for over 10 years now and cigarettes have been a significant part of my daily routine. Despite knowing the health risks and the rising cost, I have been unable to kick the habit.
In the UK, cigarettes have been a controversial topic for decades. The country has a long and complicated history with tobacco, starting from its introduction in the 16th century to its current status as a heavily regulated and taxed product.
One of the first things that struck me when I moved to the UK was the sheer number of smokers. According to a survey conducted in 2019, around 14% of adults in the UK smoke, which equates to over 7 million people. Despite the widespread knowledge about the dangers of smoking, the number of smokers remains relatively high.
I remember my first visit to a corner shop to buy cigarettes. The variety and brands of cigarettes were overwhelming, and I was taken aback by the number of warning signs and graphic images displayed on the packaging. But despite these warnings, I couldn’t resist the temptation of lighting up that first cigarette.
One of the main reasons for the high number of smokers in the UK is the country’s long-standing relationship with the tobacco industry. The tobacco trade has been a significant part of the country’s economy for centuries. In fact, the first recorded tobacco shop in the UK was opened in 1565, and by the early 17th century, England was importing over 500 tons of tobacco annually from America.
But with the rise of public health awareness and campaigns against smoking, the government has been implementing stricter laws and regulations to curb the use of cigarettes. The legal age for purchasing tobacco products was raised from 16 to 18 in 2007, and in 2016, the UK became the first country to introduce standardised packaging for cigarettes, removing all branding and logos from the packaging.
One of the most significant impacts of these regulations has been the sharp increase in the price of cigarettes. As a smoker, I have noticed this change firsthand. The average price for a pack of 20 cigarettes is around £10, and in some areas, it can go as high as £13. This increase in the cost of cigarettes has not only affected my pocket but also my health.
Despite the high cost, I have noticed that cigarettes are still readily available in most shops and supermarkets. Unlike in some other countries, cigarettes are not sold in dedicated tobacco shops but are readily available in all kinds of places. This easy accessibility makes it even more challenging for smokers to quit, as they don’t have to go out of their way to purchase cigarettes.
But it’s not just the price and accessibility that I have noticed in my decade-long smoking journey in the UK. The culture of smoking in the country is also something that is hard to miss. In many places, especially pubs and clubs, smoking is still allowed indoors. This has created a social aspect around smoking, where it’s not only about the nicotine but also about the camaraderie and sense of community that comes with it.
But on the other hand, there is also a strong stigma attached to smoking in the UK. Non-smokers often look down upon smokers, and there have been instances where I have felt judged or looked down upon for being a smoker. The constant reminders of the health risks and the impact of second-hand smoke have made many smokers feel like outcasts in society.
As a result of this stigma, there has been a growing trend of smoking areas being designated in public places. These designated areas are usually located outside and have become known as “smoking shelters.” These shelters have been a source of comfort for smokers, especially during the cold and rainy British weather.
But while these shelters provide a temporary solution, the reality is that trying to smoke in public places has become quite challenging. From strict smoking bans in parks and beaches to designated smoking areas in some public spaces, smoking has become an activity that is continuously being pushed away from the public eye.
And while I understand the reasons behind these bans, as a smoker, it can feel quite isolating and frustrating to constantly be pushed away and shamed for indulging in a legal activity.
Despite all the restrictions, taxes, and warnings, I am still an avid smoker. I know the risks and the impact it has on my health, but the addiction and the habit of lighting up are challenging to break. The UK has implemented many measures to discourage smoking, from graphic warnings on packaging to increased taxation. But for many smokers, these measures have not been enough to make them quit.
In conclusion, cigarettes are an integral part of the UK’s culture and economy, but they have also come under intense scrutiny in recent years. As a smoker, I have experienced the changes and challenges in the country’s smoking landscape firsthand. While the country has taken significant steps to discourage smoking, more needs to be done to help smokers quit and to reduce the number of new smokers in the country. It’s a constant battle between the pleasure of smoking and the health risks it poses, but I know that one day, I will need to kick the habit and join the ever-growing number of ex-smokers in the UK.