I have been a smoker for over a decade now, and throughout my years, I have seen the shifting landscape of cigarettes in the UK. As someone who has loved and hated this habit, I have observed the different trends and regulations surrounding cigarettes and the effects they have on smokers and non-smokers alike. In this article, I want to share with you my experience and insights about cigarettes in the UK.
Let’s start with a brief history of cigarettes in the UK. The first documented use of tobacco in England was in the late 16th century, and by the 17th century, it had become a fashionable habit among the aristocracy. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the Industrial Revolution made cigarettes more widely available and affordable for the masses. Since then, the popularity of cigarettes has only continued to rise, with the UK remaining one of the top consumers of tobacco products in Europe.
As a smoker, I have noticed that cigarettes in the UK come in various forms and prices, depending on their quality and brand. From the popular and affordable brands like Marlboro and Camel to the more luxurious ones like Dunhill and Davidoff, there is a wide range of options for smokers. However, as the years went by, government policies and regulations have significantly impacted the availability and accessibility of cigarettes.
One significant regulation that came into effect in 2007 was the ban on smoking in enclosed public places, including bars, restaurants, and workplaces. As a smoker, I have mixed feelings about this law. On one hand, I understand the need to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke, but on the other hand, it has made it challenging to find a place to smoke comfortably when out and about. Despite this regulation, according to the UK government, there are still an estimated 7.4 million smokers in the UK, which accounts for 14.4% of the adult population.
Another notable regulation is the introduction of graphic warning labels on cigarette packs, depicting the harmful effects of smoking. I must admit that these images can be disturbing and have made me question my smoking habit more than once. However, I have also noticed that some people have become desensitized to these images, and it doesn’t deter them from smoking. As they say, old habits die hard.
A more recent regulation that has caused quite a stir among smokers is the ban on menthol cigarettes, which came into effect in May 2020. As someone who occasionally enjoys a menthol cigarette, I was disappointed by this ban. Still, I understand the rationale behind it – to discourage young people from starting to smoke and to reduce the appeal of smoking. However, as a smoker, I can’t help but feel like my freedom of choice is being taken away bit by bit.
Moreover, the cost of cigarettes in the UK has also been a topic of debate over the years. Being a smoker in the UK can be quite expensive, with the average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes ranging from £10 to £12.50. This steep cost is a result of high taxes imposed on cigarettes, with the aim of reducing the number of smokers in the country. As a result, many smokers have turned to buying cigarettes from other EU countries, where they are significantly cheaper. This has led to the emergence of a black market for cigarettes, which poses risks in terms of quality and safety.
Aside from regulation and cost, I have also noticed the changing attitude towards smoking in the UK. When I first started smoking, it was a common sight to see people smoking in public places without any judgment. However, as the years went by, I noticed a shift in the public perception of smoking. It has become stigmatized, and smokers are often looked down upon and perceived as unhealthy and irresponsible individuals. This has led to feelings of guilt and judgment among smokers, making it a lonely and isolating habit.
Despite the negative perception surrounding cigarettes, I can’t deny the pleasure and comfort it brings me. I know it is a harmful habit and that I should quit, but like many smokers, I find it difficult to do so. Smoking has become a way to cope with stress and anxiety, and it has also become a part of my daily routine. It is not just a physical addiction, but also a psychological one.
In conclusion, cigarettes in the UK have evolved significantly over the years, from being a popular and widely accepted habit to a heavily regulated and stigmatized one. As a smoker, I have experienced the impact of these changes firsthand. While I understand the need for regulations to protect non-smokers and reduce the number of smokers, I also believe that smokers should have the right to choose and access their preferred tobacco products without being judged or stigmatized. After all, cigarettes, like any other addictive substance, is a personal choice and responsibility.